Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona announced on Wednesday that manager Tito Vilanova will have surgery on Thursday followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the next six weeks.
Vilanova had surgery last November to remove a tumor in his saliva glands, but according to the club, the problem has returned.
"While monitoring his parotid gland a change has been detected in his condition that requires surgery," Barca said of its coach, who took over for Pep Guardiola over the summer.
No announcement has been made regarding an interim coach with Barca set to face Valladolid on Saturday before a two-week winter break.
"His time in the hospital will be about three to four days," the statement said of Vilanova. "During the period after his operation, depending on how he recovers, an attempt will be made to balance his treatment with his working life."
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