Barcelona's coach, Tito Vilanova will undergo surgery for a recurrence of a throat gland ailment.
The club said the operation will take place Thursday and Vilanova likely will spend four days in a hospital followed by six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.
The 44-year-old had a tumor removed from a saliva gland in November 2011. He took over as Barcelona's coach from Pep Guardiola this season after passing medical checks.