Maradona Wears ‘Bionic Toe’ to Ease Pain in His Right Foot

Argentine captain Diego Maradona has returned to practice with a “bionic toe” on his ailing right foot and is expected to start Friday when the defending champions open World Cup play against Cameroon.

A special carbon protector allowed Maradona, considered the world’s most lethal striker, to practice Monday despite the pain from infected ingrown toenails in both feet.

“With this device I don’t feel any pain, just a little bother,” Maradona said after working out in Trigoria, site of the Argentine training camp. “I am anxious to start playing and for the World Cup to finally begin.”

Coach Carlos Bilardo had said he could not sleep because of Maradona’s condition.

On Monday, Bilardo expressed relief after watching his star player work out.

Maradona said he would play against Cameroon no matter how bad his feet hurt.

In Monday’s practice, the Argentine squad played 30 minutes against an Argentine junior team that is touring Italy and helping the national players prepare for the tournament.

Friday’s match in Milan is the first of the World Cup tournament.