Barcelona to make statement after coach reports

Barcelona say they will make an announcement later on Wednesday following media reports concerning the health of head coach Tito Vilanova.

Vilanova had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from a gland in his upper neck in November 2011.

Media reports in Spain suggest the 44-year-old has suffered a relapse.

Vilanova was Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Nou Camp before replacing the former Spain midfielder, who has taken a sabbatical from football, in June.

Barcelona released a statement earlier on Wednesday announcing they had suspended all media activities. It provided no further detail and did not mention Vilanova.

It read: "Later [on Wednesday] the club will issue a further release. Until that time we will not make any announcement about this matter.

"We regret any inconvenience this decision may cause."

Since taking charge of the Catalan club, Vilanova has won 23 of his 27 matches in all competitions.

The La Liga leaders are nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid after 15 victories in their 16 matches in the Spanish top-flight.

They have also qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, despite one of their two defeats this season being inflicted by Group G rivals Celtic.

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Source: BBC