Barcelona will stand by and wait for the return of coach Tito Vilanova after being rocked by Wednesday’s news that he needed surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the following six weeks.The 44-year-old stepped up from assistant to replace club hero Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, after having had surgery on a tumour in his saliva glands in November last year, and had made a record-breaking start to his tenure.“While monitoring his parotid gland a change has been detected in his condition that requires surgery which will be carried out on Thursday,” Barca said in a statement.“His time in hospital will be about three to four days. During the period after his operation, depending on how he recovers, an attempt will be made to balance his treatment with his working life.”At a later news conference, Barca president Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta put an end to speculation that a replacement would be brought in from outside on an interim basis.“Tito is the coach, and continues to be so,” Zubizarreta said, dismissing rumours they may have tried to contact the out-of-work Guardiola.“(Assistant) Jordi Roura will take charge against Valladolid. Tito I am sure will be watching us on television and wanting us to win.”Barca visit Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday before a two-week mid-season break.Rosell added: “Tito has an incredible mental strength. He was worried for his family. This was his main concern. We have to leave them alone.“Tito is the leader of the group, he won’t be here for a few weeks, but we will continue working just the same.”The news of Vilanova’s illness had been filtering out during the day after the club suddenly cancelled some scheduled events.Messages of support came in from around the soccer and sporting world.
