The 46-year-old has been in medical care after being admitted with ill health brought on by excessive smoking, drinking and eating.

And although his doctor Alfredo Cahe is happy with Maradona's progress, he admits it is unlikely the man who led his country to World Cup glory in 1986 - and a player many still regard as the greatest of all time - will be discharged before the middle of April.

Cahe told Radio Mitre: "We've found out test results we were not expecting.

"I estimate he will be there (in hospital) for no less than 15 days.

"Just yesterday night I saw a real clinical improvement in him and in the tests."

Cahe also expressed concern that there were a group of hangers-on who were not helping Maradona get over his addictions, adding: "I'm not talking about his family, they are wonderful people who really love him.

"But, as usually happens, there are some others who are hanging on to him for their own personal interest.

"It has always happened in the 30 years I've known him."