Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, makes a comeback after having back surgery

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has rejoined the team after his most recent back surgery.

After a three-week absence, Guardiola is returning to his responsibilities, with City announcing the news on Wednesday.

Since Guardiola, 52, traveled to Spain for the operation, assistant coach Juanma Lillo has taken over.

In Guardiola’s absence, City defeated Sheffield United and Fulham to get its Premier League championship defense off to a perfect start. After the intermission for overseas travel, City’s team is starting to assemble.

Before starting its Champions League defense at home against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday, City will play again in the Premier League on Saturday against West Ham.