Arsenal set to be handed boost as Atletico sweat over Diego Costa fitiness

Diego Costa could miss Atletico Madrid’s trip to the Emirates next Thursday.

The two sides are set to clash in their first-leg meeting to compete for a place in the Europa League final. Costa has been struggling with a hamstring strain  after picking up knock against Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals.

The former Chelsea striker missed Atleti’s win over Levante at the weekend and will also take no part in tonight’s game against Real Sociedad.

The Sun have quoted the Brazilian saying he concerned about the threat Arsenal pose.

“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.”

Atletico would still have top scorer Antoine Griezzman and Kevin Gamerio to turn to should Costa miss next Thursday’s clash.