Vilanova leaves hospital

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has been discharged from hospital after undergoing an operation on his parotid gland on Thursday.

The 44-year-old, who also had a tumour removed from his throat in November last year, now faces six weeks of chemotherapy.

A Barcelona statement read: “The Barca coach has left hospital this Saturday after Thursday’s operation.

“Given the post-surgery progress, Tito Vilanova has been discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon. The Barca coach’s operation on Thursday went as planned.”

Barcelona announced on Wednesday night that Vilanova would be undergoing another operation on his parotid gland after a return of the illness was diagnosed this week.

The Barca boss, who took over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, was expected to remain in hospital for three to four days following his operation.

The Primera Division leaders, who have enjoyed their best-ever start to a season after dropping just two points in their opening 16 games, named assistant coach Jordi Roura to take interim charge while Vilanova undergoes his treatment.

Barca are playing at Real Valladolid tonight in their final match of 2012.