Chelsea boss Emma Hayes will take time away from the club as she recovers from an emergency hysterectomy.
Hayes, 45, revealed she had surgery last week as part of her “ongoing battle with endometriosis”.
In a statement, five-time WSL winner Hayes told fans she would “need time and patience to return to full health”.
“I know you’ll respect that my health comes first and at this time I’ve got to prioritise what I need to do for me,” Hayes said.
Assistant manager Denise Reddy will take charge of the reigning Women’s Super League champions in Hayes’ absence, with general manager Paul Green carrying out media duties.
A club statement said: “Everybody at Chelsea would like to wish Emma a speedy recovery and we will continue to support her during this time.”
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb which can take out areas of tissue causing endometrial pain.
Hayes has publicly advocated for greater awareness of endometriosis, which affects around one in 10 women and can cause debilitating pain and heavy periods.
The day before winning her first WSL title in 2015, Hayes had a procedure in hospital to remove a contraceptive coil that had been inserted to relieve the symptoms of the illness.
