Argentina legend Diego Maradona is scheduled for “routine surgery” on a blood clot on his brain, his doctor said. The 1986 World Cup winner, 60, was admitted to Ipensa clinic in Buenos Aires on Monday, suffering from anaemia and dehydration.
Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal physician, said the surgery would take place later on Tuesday.
“He is lucid, he understands, he agrees with the intervention,” Luque told reporters.
Maradona has been transferred to the Olivos Clinic in La Plata, where he will be operated on at 8pm local time (23:00 GMT) by Luque, who is a neurosurgeon.
Maradona now coaches Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina’s top flight.
He attended the side’s game against Patronato on Friday, his 60th birthday.
Supporters of Gimnasia y Esgrima have been congregating outside the hospital carrying messages of support for the former Argentina forward.
His former club Napoli, who he helped to two Serie A titles, tweeted a message of support.