Diego Maradona to be discharged from hospital this week after progressing well since brain surgery

Former World Cup winner underwent surgery last Tuesday to remove a clot lodged between his brain and skull

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires . AFP

Large banners of Diego Maradona are placed outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where he undergoes a brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires. AFP

A fan wearing a face mask with images of Diego Maradona looks on outside Clínica Olivos on November 03, 2020 in Olivos, Argentina. Getty Images

A fan of Diego Maradona stands outside the clinic where he underwent surgery for a subdural haematoma. Reuters

Fans of Diego Maradona wearing face masks wait outside of Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Fans hold a jersey with the face of Diego Maradona at Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Supporters of Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where underwent brain surgery for a blood clot. AFP

Fans gather outside Clinica Olivos where Diego Maradona underwent surgery in Buenos Aires. AP Photo

Fans show a flag with the face of Diego Maradona at Clínica Olivos. Getty Images

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Fans of Diego Maradona show their support as Maradona is transferred from La Plata to Buenos Aires for his operation. EPA

Argentine football great Diego Maradona could be discharged from hospital on Tuesday or Wednesday after progressing well since brain surgery on a blood clot, his doctor said Monday.

Maradona, 60, underwent surgery last Tuesday to remove a clot lodged between his brain and skull.

"Diego is in the mood to leave, and we are evaluating the discharge that could be tomorrow or probably Wednesday, we have to see the clinical parameters, but the progress is very good," Leopoldo Luque told reporters.

Maradona, who went into isolation two weeks ago after one of his bodyguards displayed coronavirus symptoms, had looked unwell during a brief appearance on October 30 at his 60th birthday celebration at the stadium of Gimnasia y Esgrima, the Argentine Primera Division team he coaches.

He seemed to have difficulty walking and did not hang around to watch his side's match.

The following Monday, he was taken to hospital in La Plata, where the club is based, suffering from symptoms of anemia and dehydration. Tests revealed the blood clot, after which Maradona was transferred to a specialist clinic in the capital.

Since his surgery, he has progressed well, although Luque had revealed Thursday that Maradona was receiving intensive treatment and sedatives for withdrawal symptoms. This treatment began to be scaled back on Monday.

Luque also played down a rumor cited by local press about the presence of a Covid-19 patient in the clinic.

"Covid is everywhere, there is nothing here that there is not elsewhere, and the care and protocols are followed to perfection," he said.

Luque also avoided specifying where Maradona will recuperate once he is discharged.

"We will discuss these issues when the time comes, we will discuss them together with the family. We all agree to take Diego forward," he said.

Maradona has been admitted to hospital three times in the last 20 years for serious health issues – two of which were potentially fatal.

Last week, his doctor had said the football star would require prolonged treatment in a clinic with different specialties than the current one.

Maradona's daughters Dalma, Giannina and Jana visit him daily at the clinic.

His oldest son, Diego Jr, who lives in Italy, announced last Thursday on social media that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore would not be able to travel to Buenos Aires.