ARSENAL have been handed a major boost as Atletico Madrid continuee to fret over Diego Costa’s fitness ahead of next week’s Europa League semi-final.
The Spain striker, 29, is struggling with a hamstring strain ahead next Thursday’s first-leg having picking up knock in the last round against Sporting Lisbon.
Costa missed Atleti’s win over Levante at the weekend and will also no play in Thursday’s game against Real Sociedad.
It’s expected the Brazil-born forward will also miss this weekend’s La Liga clash with Real Betis, putting his place in next Thursday’s squad in real jeopardy.
At present, Atletico Madrid are refusing to put a return date on Costa – meaning he is now expected to miss the semi-final first-leg at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Atleti boss Diego Simeone revealed he is worried about the threat posed by Arsenal.
Simeone said: “They are a rival with a lot of history in European competition.
“Their current squad is experienced and they have a lot of quality players and a very important manager who has achieved a lot.
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“It will be a tough tie for us but it was always going to be that way at this stage of the competition, which is attritional and tough to win.
“We must once again show our desire and try to fight for our victory, because this is the most important point of the season and we are hungry for trophies.”
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