The 57-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in history, captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico and is expected to commentate on matches at this summer's tournament in Russia.

According to the newspaper El Colombiano, Maradona will be operated on by Dr. Herman Ochoa at a hospital in Cali.

"Diego [Maradona] arrived in Cali for a medical inspection of his knee. The goal is to enable him to go to Russia and work as a commentator at the FIFA World Cup," Ochoa said, as quoted by the daily.

The FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia from June 14 till July 15 at 12 stadiums across the country. Two-time champions Argentina will face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D at the tournament.