On Saturday, powerhouse Barcelona will make the trek to Real Valladolid, which comes at a time when the team's heads have been focused on more serious matters than the La Liga.  Skipper Tito Vilanova had underwent surgery on Thursday to remove a recurring tumor in his salivary gland.

Off to its best start to date in a La Liga season, Vilanova has played an integral part of the club's dominance.  Although he'll have to do endure six weeks of chemotherapy, the 44-year-old may still come back to coach during that time.  However, that decision still remains up in the air, as Barcelona said that assistant coach Jordi Roura will take over the reigns for the interim.

Time and time again, Carlos Puyol and the rest of the team has continued to remain effective on the pitch, which has also been a huge part of the team's success.

"What we have to do is keep on doing our job, train hard and eagerly await Tito's return.  The best way we can help him is continue working like we have been.  [Tito] is our leader and we have to follow the path that he's laid out for us," Puyol said, according to Barcelona's official website.

Although the football club will be under the temporary leadership of Roura, Puyol doesn't anticipate any hiccups in their play.

"He's worked with us for many years.  He's very active in the training session and in how we play, our approach to the game won't change.  We're in good hands.  Having [Roura] in command is the right decision," he added.

Barcelona further supplanted its spot atop the La Liga when they overtook second-place Atletico Madrid by a 4-1 margin last weekend.  The team currently sports a nine-point lead and a 13-point advantage over its rivals, Real Madrid.

CLICK HERE to watch Barcelona take on Valladolid via free live stream.  Coverage of the La Liga matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CET on Saturday, Dec. 22.

Tags: La Liga International Soccer