Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova's throat surgery has gone to plan, say the Catalan club.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has confirmed the operation to treat the reappearance of a tumour on a saliva gland "went well."

Villanova, 44, who had a cancerous tumour removed in November 2011, will now have six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The club say the length of his hospital stay will depend on his progress.

Barcelona made the announcement that Vilanova had fallen ill again on Wednesday. They said he might be able to return to coaching while continuing his treatment but made no suggestions as to when he might return to work.

"It [Wednesday] was a hard day but [Vilanova] came to the dressing room and explained everything to us and boosted our spirits," said Puyol.

"He hadn't even left yet and he was saying he couldn't wait to be back. Today we feel better because the news is good.

"We have to keep playing the same way, train as hard as we can, and look forward to his return."

Assistant coach Jordi Roura, who has been on the Barcelona coaching staff since 2009, will take charge of the team in the meantime.

Puyol said: "He has been working with us for years. He knows the team perfectly.

"Our way of doing things won't change. We are in good hands."

Vilanova was first treated for cancer in 2011 when he was Pep Guardiola's assistant at the club. He had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at that time and returned to the squad in 15 days, ahead of schedule.

He took over as head coach from Guardiola at the end of last season after five seasons as his assistant, four with the first team and one with the B team.

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, where they will face AC Milan.