Atletico Madrid will be without Diego Costa until February after confirming that the Spain international striker will undergo surgery on his left foot.
Costa has travelled to Brazil for the operation, which Atletico hope will resolve ongoing pain and discomfort in his foot that has inhibited him on the pitch in recent matches.
In a statement announcing the news, Atletico said: “Diego Costa will be operated on this week to resolve the discomfort he has been suffering in the last few weeks.
“After looking at various options the decision has been taken to operate in Brazil under the supervision of the medical services of Atletico Madrid.”
Costa has a pin in his left foot from a previous operation, and Atletico believe the problem contributed to his run of 18 games without scoring earlier this season.
Despite breaking his goal duck against Barcelona last weekend, Costa played through the pain barrier after twisting his left ankle prior to Atletico’s draw with Girona on Sunday and finished the match with a heavy limp.
“His foot is not right but he put in an enormous effort for the team,” Atletico boss Diego Simeone said of Costa, who played a key role in his side’s equaliser.
Atletico believe the issue with Costa’s foot directly led to his ankle injury by prompting him to put additional pressure on other parts of his body.
Delaying the surgery into the New Year would have jeopardised Costa’s chances of being fit for the final stages of the Champions League – with Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium confirmed as the venue for the 2019 final – as well as the business end of his club’s La Liga campaign.
Costa re-joined Atletico from Chelsea for a fee rising to £57 million in 2017, and has scored 11 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish club.
