Maradona bitten on face by dog

Maradona will lead Argentina at the World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Argentina's World Cup coach Diego Maradona was bitten on his face by one of his dogs and had surgery at a clinic, local media reported today.

Maradona, taken to Los Arcos clinic during the early hours, was not seriously hurt and was expected to return home later in the day, the broadcaster Cronica said.

Witnesses said Maradona was bleeding close to his mouth when he arrived at the clinic with his girlfriend.

Maradona, whose Argentina team are among the World Cup favourites, spent some time at the same clinic in April 2007 after suffering from toxic hepatitis caused by drink.

The World Cup in South Africa kicks off on June 11. Argentina are in Group B with Nigeria, Greece and South Korea.