Barcelona said Tito Vilanova will return to the touchline and take over as manager once he recovers from surgery after suffering a relapse in his fight with cancer.
Vilanova first had a tumor removed from his throat a little over a year ago, and Barcelona announced their manager, who had guided his side to their best ever start in La Liga, had suffered a relapse and would undergo surgery on his parotid gland on Thursday, before having six weeks of chem otherapy.
"In extension of the pathology has been detected in (Vilanova's) parotid gland," a statement said on the club's website. "The manager requires surgery which he will undergo this Thursday. He is expected to remain in hospital for three to four days.
"After the surgery, Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova will undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment for approximately six weeks. During this time, and depending on how well he recovers, Vilanova's treatment may be compatible with his normal schedule.
"In line with the patient's wishes, we urge respect and privacy during this process."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta pledged their "unconditional support" to their manager.
"The most important thing is that he recovers and that he has the necessary tranquility to undergo this (healing) process," Rosell told reporters. "Tito is strong, very strong. He's shown that he's strong and we're convinced that he'll be back with us soon.
"I liked seeing his face. He looked strong. He has extraordinary mental strength, he only looked worried for his wife, children and parents.
"We want to express our unconditional support to Tito and his family."
Speculation was rife that former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola would take over in Vilanova's absence, but Zubizarreta shot that notion down, saying the 44-year-old would continue at the helm once he recovers, with assistant Jordi Roura to lead the team until Vilanova returns.
"Tito is our coach and will continue to be our coach," he said. "Jordi (Roura) will be on the sidelines for Valladolid, but all the rest is pure speculation."
Zubizarreta said the players were shocked to hear the news but were united to pull through the crisis together as a group. Team leaders Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes were present at the press conference to show their support.
"They are as unified as ever," he added. "We need to pick ourselves up and keep on working. Each match will be a challenge knowing that life itself is what's truly important."
The news about Vilanova came soon after the encouraging announcement that Eric Abidal had returned to training with the Barcelona first team after recovering from a liver transplant.
