Atletico Madrid hope to have Diego Costa fit for Champions League clash with Juventus as the striker enters the next stage of recovery from foot injury
- Diego Costa has moved on to the next stage of recuperation from foot surgery
- The striker had unergone an operation in Brazil on the ongoing problem
- Atletico Madrid hope to have him fit for Champions League clash with Juventus
Diego Costa has stepped up his rehabilitation from a foot injury, with Atletico Madrid hoping to have the striker fit for their Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus on February 20.
The Spain international had struggled with the injury for much of this season, before undergoing surgery in his native Brazil in December.
The club are confident the operation was a success and believe he will be back in action by mid-February.
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has entered the next phase of recovery from a foot injury
A club statement said: ‘Diego Costa has entered the second phase of his recovery after returning from Brazil, where he underwent an operation on his left foot on December 5,’ a statement said.
‘Our striker is making progress in his rehabilitation and sport readaptation process. Apart from the daily physiotherapy and aerobic training on a stationary bicycle, a specific swimming pool routine is to be added shortly.’
The Spain international struggled with the ongoing foot injury for most of the season
Juventus president Enrique Cerezo hailed the striker’s role for the club as he provided further information on his timescale for recovery.
He said: ‘The only thought is to recover Diego Costa for the double challenge against Juventus. Diego is very important for us and in these matches he thrives.’
The Spanish club host Juve in the first leg of the second round tie on February 20, while the return is scheduled for March 12 in Turin.