Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has confirmed that Barcelona are due to make an official statement today via his Twitter account;
@GuillemBalague - Tito Vilanova has a recession on his illness (tumor). Barcelona will give more information during the day
Before adding;
Tito hasnt been operated yet. Players will be told all this aft. Club of course looking for replacement. Now time to be prudent #animsTito
What the news means for Barcelona moving forward is a little unclear. It seems quite apparent that for the good of his health Vilanova will have to step down from his role with the club which opens up a variety of possible replacements in terms of manager.
We took to Twitter to gauge the initial reaction about the news from those involved in the game and from general fans.
@GaryLineker - Very sorry to hear Tito Vilanova, the Barca coach, is undergoing surgery after a cancer relapse. Thoughts are with him.
@BumperGraham (Graham Hunter) - If the news is confirmed, as fear it will, that Tito Vilanova's had a relapse in his fight v tumour surgery 1yr ago it'll be brutally unfair
@UmbertoGandini - All the best to Tito Vilanova, wishing you another win over Evil ! #Anims Tito
@talkSPORTDrive - just heard Tito Vilanova is ill again and Barca seeking a temporary replacement. Wish him all the best. incredible start as Barca coach.
@mobad3 (Comedian Prince Abdi) - Although I don't like Barcelona, but my prayers goes to there manager Tito Vilanova suffers tumor relapse. Get well soon! #AnimsTito, #hope
@SemirHadzibulic - Sad news about Barcelonas manager, take care Tito Vilanova!
Fans
@JHALL1992 - Absolutely horrible news regarding Tito Villanova, get well soon boss! Football comes second at times like these! #AnimoVilanova
@FCB1mrankhan - More importantly thoughts are with Tito and his family.. Hope he beats this terrible disease...
@brucemillington - So sad to hear Tito Vilanova has a new health problem. Could Guardiola come back to hold the fort?
@CuleDeBarcelona - Who cares about football now, Tito should takecare of himself carefully. #AnimoVilanova
@MessiCR&Neymar - Awful news: Tito Vilanova has had a relapse and his tumor is back. #PrayForTito
@sterling_m - Awful news about Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse. Wonder if Luis Enrique steps into his place coaching Barcelona now; can't see Pep return.
Barcelona are yet to officially comment on the situation with their players seemingly mute until they know the entire situation.
image: © HowardLake
Lewis Doe
@doelewisGoogle+more stories from Lewis Doe
Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.
The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire
Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain
#ReplaceAMovieNameWithWenger - The funniest tweets as Arsenal manager trends on Twitter
Arsenal target says 'Yes' to Juventus - report
Chelsea latest: Including Luiz and Khedira
Tottenham Hotspur latest: Including Bale and Dembele
Manchester City latest: Pellegrini and Cavani soon to arrive?
