Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that David Silva will return to Spain this evening to help tend to his premature son.

Silva revealed earlier this week that his recent absence from the Man City first team was down to concerns over his newborn child's health after he arrived prematurely and is now fighting for his life.

The Spaniard flew back to England to start Tuesday's match against Watford and this afternoon's FA Cup third-round victory over Burnley, but he will now return to his home country once again.

Guardiola has stressed that Silva has been granted permission to miss as many games as he needs while dealing with the situation, and he is now a major doubt for Tuesday night's EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Bristol City.

Silva has scored five goals and laid on eight more in his 19 Premier League appearances so far this season.