Watching: FC Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova will undergo surgery for a recurrence of a throat gland ailment on Thursday according to a statement released by the club on Wednesday. The club said Vilanova is likely to spend four days in hospital followed by six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. The 44-year-old had a tumour removed from a saliva gland in November 2011. He took over as Barcelona's coach from Pep Guardiola this season after passing medical checks. Under Vilanova's guidance, Barcelona is off to the best start in Spanish league history with 15 wins in 16 games played . The club has 46 points, nine ahead of Atletico Madrid and 13 in front of Real Madrid.