Diego Maradona will remain hospitalised "several more days" for post-op treatment after an episode of confusion after having surgery to remove a subdural hematoma, his doctor said on Thursday.
"Diego is very well. The CT scan we did today was very good," said Dr. Leopoldo Luque. "We were even dancing with Diego...But we also noticed in the post-op recovery process some episodes of confusion. We associated them, in conjunction with the therapy doctors, to a period of abstinence. The plan is to follow a treatment that we believe will last a few days.
"It is the best for Diego. We have no doubts about it and this is a great opportunity to do the best for him and his health. He remains hospitalised today and will be here for several more days"
Maradona has previously battled addiction to drink and drugs
Maradona had surgery on Tuesday at Olivos Hospital to remove an accumulation of blood between a membrane of his brain that had been detected on an MRI on Monday.
Luque, a neurologist who performed Tuesday's operation, said the problem likely was caused by an accident, but Maradona said he doesn't remember any event.
Maradona was admitted to the Ipensa Clinic in La Plata with signs of anemia, dehydration and depression on Monday. Friends said he had not wanted to eat. On Tuesday morning, an MRI revealed a subdural hematoma and he was moved to Buenos Aires.
On Thursday, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin sent a message of encouragement to Maradona, who in 1986, led Argentina to the World Cup title and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.
"This is another match you have to win, another match you are going to win, because legends are eternal," Ceferin wrote. "From my heart, I hope this is only a minor setback. We are cheering for you!"
Maradona turned 60 last Friday and showed up that night for Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata's national league match against Patronato, which his team won 3-0.
He left before the end of the first half, which raised questions about his health.
Maradona manages the first-division side but had sat out of the team's training as a precaution to avoid the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 as he is considered in the risk group.
Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi sent a message of encouragement to Maradona on Wednesday via Instagram: "Diego, All the strength in the world. My family and I want to see you well as soon as possible. A hug from the heart!"
Since ending his playing career in 1997, the ex-Napoli, Barcelona and Boca Juniors star has battled a series of health issues. He was admitted to the hospital in January 2019 with internal bleeding in the stomach. He also fell ill at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he was filmed passing out in an executive box at the Argentina-Nigeria game.
In 2004, he was hospitalised with severe heart and respiratory problems related to a long battle with drug addiction. He has undergone two gastric bypass operations to control his weight and also has received treatment for alcohol abuse.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.