Alex Sabella has announced that he is regrettably unable to attend Sunday's friendly match due to the high profile situation he currently finds himself in.
The former Blades star was expected to be at Bramall Lane on Sunday with Estudiantes but Maradona's recent dismissal as manager of the Argentine national side has led to Sabella emerging as a leading candidate to replace him.
He said: "I have been so looking forward to returning to my former club, Sheffield United, and would like to apologise to Blades fans that I am unable to attend and hope they understand the ongoing situation here in Argentina.
"Sheffield United is a club that I feel great emotions towards and I sincerely hope to be able to visit in the near future.
"I would like to thank Sheffield United etc for all their efforts which are greatly appreciated. The feedback from my assistant Guillermo Trama and my team regarding the visit has been overwhelmingly positive and I am proud that they are able to visit my old club."
Meanwhile, in Sheffield, head of the delegation Juan Veron, father of former Manchester United star Juan Sebastian, said: "The fans reaction to us this week has been fabulous and it's a great shame that Alex will now miss the game, as many people have told me how much they were looking forward to seeing him again.
"My own family has strong ties with Sheffield United and I know how special this game is to us, but the circumstances are sadly outside our control."
Sergio Neveleff International Director of Estudiantes confirmed that positive discussions had taken place yesterday between directors of both clubs. They were delighted to meet with Kevin McCabe and Trevor Birch and heads of terms have been agreed on a co-operation agreement which will benefit both clubs in the future.
Club officals and consultant Carly Barnes have been in constant touch with developments in Argentina and worked until the early hours of Saturday morning, re-booking potential flights for Sabella in the event of his situation becoming clearer.
Whilst the ex Blade will be missing on Sunday he has undertaken to ensure that his Estudiantes team - containing a mixture of experience and bright prospects who are destined for stardom - will provide United with a stern examination in the friendly which kicks-off at 4pm.
