Tito Vilanova Faces Six Weeks Out

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova will today (Thursday) undergo surgery on a saliva gland, followed by six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While the Spaniard hasn't ruled out the possibility of combining treatment with a return to the dugout, it is highly likely that assistant coach Jordi Roura will take charge of Lionel Messi and co until Vilanova has made a full recovery.

Romantics have been linking Pep Guardiola with a sensational return to the Nou Camp but in reality this is unlikely to happen. Guardiola left the Catalan club last summer in order to take a year's sabbatical in New York and is not expected to make a return until the upcoming summer. Rumours are rife that he is set to test himself in the Premier League, with Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal all being linked with the 41-year-old.

Barcelona are currently awaiting the draw for the Champions League round of 16 at UEFA's Swiss headquaters. The Spanish giants are the hot favourites to win the trophy for the third time in five years, with Paddy Power handing them odds of 5/2.