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Guardiola underwent surgery on a back issue earlier this week and will be absent from the Club until after the September break. However, speaking to the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference, assistant coach Lillo revealed how Pep was in still regular contact with the coaching staff and players.Lillo said that the boss was recovering well from surgery and added that the dialogue would be ‘continuous’ as City seek to make it three wins from three in the Premier League at Bramall Lane. Asked specifically if Pep would be watching the game on TV and involved on Sunday, Lillo asserted: “Of course! Pep is always there!
Manchester City will feel confident of extending their winning start to the Premier League season to three matches, when they face Sheffield United this weekend. After beginning the campaign with victories over Burnley and Newcastle United, the champions head to Yorkshire to face another side with a 100 percent record this term. Yet, it’s an undesired start of back-to-back losses for Sheffield United, who were beaten by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in the opening weeks of the season. City will head to Bramall Lane without John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, with the latter not expected to play until the new year due to a long-term hamstring issue.
But the Cityzens should have Bernardo Silva available again, after the Portugal international missed the last two matches with a knock. Silva signed a new contract during the week and might come straight back into the side on Sunday, although City may not feel the need to rush him back given they’re heavy favourites to win. While Silva’s return would be a boost, there will be one significant absence for City, with Pep Guardiola set to miss the Premier League encounter. The 52-year-old underwent emergency surgery earlier this week and is still recuperating in Barcelona, meaning he won’t be on the touchline at Bramall Lane.
Instead, assistant Juanma Lillo will take charge of the team on Sunday, although Guardiola is expected to play a significant role in choosing the City line-up. Given the Blues have played four matches already this season and they face one of the less-daunting fixtures, it could be an opportunity to rotate or hand minutes to fringe players. However, with a free midweek either side of the match, City could name a full-strength team against the Blades, which would reduce the chances of an unexpected slip-up against Paul Heckingbottom’s men.
