Maradona Has Missed All Club Training Sessions So Far

Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyGolder’s News And Sport

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has reportedly not shown up to a single training session for his club so far this year as he continues to recover from surgery.

Former World Cup champion Maradona, 59, has reportedly failed to attend a single training session so far this year with his top-flight Argentine club Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata.

Picture Credit: Golders/@gimnasiaoficial

Local media report coaching assistants Sebastian Mendez and Adrian Gonzalez have been filling in for Maradona during his time away.

Local media report Maradona is undergoing rehabilitation on his right knee and receiving several medical check-ups which is what has kept him off the training pitch.

The former Napoli star underwent successful surgery on his right knee in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires in the summer of last year.

He is reportedly set to return to his managing role today (Tuesday) after missing the first four training sessions with Gimanasia despite initially being expected to return yesterday (Monday).

Picture Credit: Golders/@gimnasiaoficial

The news comes shortly after he was linked with a possible opportunity to manage the Venezuelan national football team after former Venezuela boss Rafael Dudamel stepped down.

Despite the rumours linking Maradona with Venezuela, people close to the footballing icon have reportedly said he does not intend to leave the club and is committed to keeping Gimansia in the top-tier as they fight to avoid relegation.

Reports suggest the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) are working to try to convince Maradona to leave his job as coach of Gimnasia to take over Dudamel’s role.

Local news outlet Infobae report the chiefs of the FVF “have contacted Maradona’s inner circle to offer him to coach the national team”. Reports state the move was made to register their interest with Maradona and the “second step will surely be a financial offer”.

Gimnasia are 21st of 24 clubs in the top-flight Argentine with four wins, two draws and 10 losses in the season so far.

They are set to play Velez Sarsfield on Friday 24th January who are fourth in the league.

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