Pep Guardiola was seen back in training for the first time on Wednesday after having been absent from the Man City dugout for over three weeks.

The Spanish manager underwent emergency surgery back in August after complaining of severe back pain and travelled back to Barcelona to have the procedure carried out by a specialist in spinal surgery, Dr Mireia Illueca.

City issued a statement claiming that the procedure was a routine operation and also that the 52-year-old would remain in Barcelona to rest and recuperate.

It ultimately meant that Guardiola was not in the dugout for two Premier League matches, with his assistant, Juanma Lillo, taking charge for their dramatic late win against Sheffield United and their 5-1 thumping against Fulham. 

Despite that, the Spaniard has never truly been too far away from his team, with Lillo confirming the hands-on coach has been in close contact throughout his absence.

Pep Guardiola (pictured) was seen back in training for the first time on Wednesday after having been absent from the Man City dug out for over three weeks

The Spanish manager (right) underwent emergency surgery after complaining of severe back pain, but was yesterday seen back coaching his players

In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo (pictured) has taken charge but has stated that Guardiola has been in constant contact with his side

And while some speculation had arisen over when the City boss would be back in action, Guardiola was today pictured back at the Man City Football Academy Ground coaching his players.

Guardiola looked in fine form too, smiling to the camera in one picture but was seen cutting an animated figure as he guided his team through their training session.

He is not the only member of the City team to be back in training this week, with several of their international stars returning to the Etihad Campus following the international break.

Bernardo Silva Ruben Dias were both in action for Portugal during their Euro 2024 qualifiers, while Nathan Ake was also called up to the Netherlands squad and helped the Dutch claim victories over Ireland and Greece.

Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic both featured for Croatia, while Kalvin Phillips, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all called up to England duty.

With the Premier League season set to get back underway this weekend, City, who sit top of the table, will be hoping to continue their flawless start to the season, with a win against David Moyes’ side.

Guardiola’s side (left) will be hoping to continue their flawless start to the Premier League campaign against West Ham on Saturday

Erling Haaland (right) scored a hat-trick in their last outing back at the start of the month, guiding the Cityzens to a 5-1 victory against Fulham

West Ham, who sit in fourth, two points behind the Cityzens, have equally enjoyed a brilliant start to the new campaign, defeating Luton, Brighton and Chelsea, while claiming a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the start of the season.

And while Lillo and his team have kept things ticking over in Guardiola’s absence, City will no doubt be buoyed by the return of their talisman manager.

Yet, despite his absence, it may feel like Guardiola has never been away, with Lillo confirming back in August that Guardiola has been in ‘continuous contact.

‘The contact will be continuous, he is watching Sheffield right now,’ Lillo said. ‘What’s important is his health. It doesn’t keep him from being who he is. He’s fully focused on the match.

‘He is telling us the surgery has been successful, his recovery has to take the necessary time. He feels fine. I’m happy to see him going correctly.’