Jose Mourinho set to undergo surgery on 'health problem' as Portuguese tactician prepares to leave Turkey

Turkish sports journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu revealed the news on X, writing: "Jose Mourinho will leave Istanbul today [21 Dec] to undergo surgery abroad due to a health problem he is experiencing."

The exact details of Mourinho's health issue remain unclear at this point, but the football world will be hoping it's nothing serious. The Turkish Super Lig's short winter break means that the Fenerbahce boss will at least get some decent recovery time before his team are back in action. They go into that pause second in the league but six points off top, after a 1-1 draw with Eyupspor on Friday.

Despite Fenerbahce still being within sight of league leaders Galatasaray, many fans have already given up hope of silverware this season amid concerns that their manager's demise is continuing in Turkey. Mourinho's side has no wins against the top six this season and currently sits 21st in the Europa League table after recent losses against Athletic Club and AZ Alkmaar.

After a couple of weeks off over the Christmas and New Year period, Fenerbahce are next in action on January 5 when they welcome Hatayspor to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Supporters will be hoping that Mourinho will be back in the dugout and ready to start transforming what he calls a "transition period" into a genuine league title challenge.