Barcelona says coach Tito Vilanova has been released from hospital two days after undergoing throat surgery to remove a second tumor in two years.

The Spanish club said Vilanova was cleared to go home on Saturday, just moments before his team was set to start its game at Valladolid without him.

Vilanova had surgery to remove a tumor from a saliva gland in 2011 while he was Pep Guardiola's assistant. He was back with the team in 15 days.

Barcelona announced on Wednesday that Vilanova needed surgery again after doctors had discovered the reappearance of the tumor.

Assistant coach Jordi Roura has taken over the team while Vilanova recovers.