Lee Johnson undergoes 'emergency surgery' as Hibs announce boss will miss Kilmarnock clash

Hibs boss Lee Johnson has undergone "emergency surgery" and will miss Saturday's Premiership clash with Kilmarnock.

The Easter Road club have announced their manager was taken to hospital after falling ill suddenly. He has since undergone a successful operation to remove his gallbladder. Hibs confirmed the 41-year-old is recovering well after his procedure but will not be in the dugout when his side face Killie on Saturday.

Johnson extended his thanks to staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and vowed to be back in action as soon as possible. He said: “I’d like to thank all the staff in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, especially the Hibs fans that looked after me along the way. I’m hoping to make a swift recovery and be back in the dugout as quickly as possible. Having never missed a game previously in management, obviously I’m frustrated at not being able to be physically attending Easter Road tomorrow.

"However, I am 100 per cent with every player, staff member, and supporter in spirit to fight for a very important three points. GGTTH.”

Jamie McAllister and Adam Owen will lead Hibs in Johnson's absence, assisted by club legend David Gray for the Easter Road meeting with Derek McInnes ' side.

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