The Spanish coach underwent surgery on Thursday after he suffered a cancer relapse only a year after he underwent a procedure on his parotid gland.

Following the successful operation, Vilanova was transferred from the intensive care unit on Friday, and has now been cleared to return home.

"The Barca coach has left hospital this Saturday after Thursday's operation," a statement from Barcelona read.

"Given the post-surgery progress, Tito Vilanova has been discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon. The Barca coach's operation on Thursday went as planned."

Vilanova will have a six-week session of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in early January, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to the helm of Barcelona.

His assistant Jordi Roura will be taking control of all first-team duties while Vilanova undergoes a period of recuperation.