Barcelona have announced Tito Vilanova's operation on his parotid gland had gone "as expected" as the 44-year-old began a second battle with cancer.
Vilanova, who also had a tumour removed from his throat in November last year, will now start six weeks of chemotherapy.
In a statement, the club said: "Vilanova's surgical procedure has gone as expected. His clinical progress will determine how long he remains in hospital.
"The expected timeframe has been maintained. Tito asks for his privacy and confidentiality to be respected."
Captain Carles Puyol said the Barca players have drawn strength from Eric Abidal's return to good health as they come to terms with news of Vilanova's need for further cancer treatment.
Abidal returned to training on Wednesday for the first time since he needed a liver transplant in April.
Puyol said: "You're never prepared to hear news like this, but Abidal's example gives the team strength and I'm sure Tito's case will do the same.
"It's not just an example to us but to the man in the street, proving that if you fight hard, everything will be fine."
