Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova to undergo surgery and chemotherapy treatment

For the second time in two years, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is stepping aside from football to take care of his health.

Vilanova will have surgery on Thursday and undergo several weeks of chemotherapy after doctors discovered a recurrence of a throat ailment, the club said Wednesday.

The 44-year-old coach underwent an operation to remove a tumor from the saliva gland in November 2011 when he was Pep Guardiola's assistant at the club. He returned ahead of schedule 15 days later.

Vilanova will likely spend four days in a hospital before undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for about six weeks, the club said.

The statement said Vilanova could be able to remain in charge of the team while undergoing treatment.