Reports: Argentina coach Diego Maradona is bitten by his dog at home and has surgery on lip

Reports: Maradona bitten by dog, has lip surgery

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina coach Diego Maradona was bitten by one of his pet dogs and had surgery on his upper lip.

Argentine television said the 49-year-old soccer great had reconstructive surgery Tuesday and was expected to be discharged later in the day. The Los Arcos clinic said Maradona was in good condition and a news conference was to be held later in the day.

Attempts to reach Maradona’s personal physician Alfredo Cahe were unsuccessful.

Reports said Maradona was playing with the dog at his home in suburban Buenos Aires. The breed was identified as a Shar Pei, often used as a guard dog.

Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and is revered in his country despite problems with drug addiction, eating disorders and scandals — and lately the poor play of the national team, which struggled to qualify for the World Cup despite featuring Lionel Messi.

Argentina plays Canada on May 24 in Buenos Aries before leaving for training in South Africa. Argentina is grouped with Nigeria, Greece and South Korea.