Atletico Madrid have been handed a fitness boost ahead of their round 16 the against Epl runaway champions, Liverpool, with reports suggesting powerful forward Diego Costa is back to training.
The former Blues striker has been out since November, suffering from a hernia disc issues and he was almost ruled out of the clash with the title holders and current world champions, but the latest report from the medical table suggests the player has a chance to play in the encounter, as he has resumed training with the first team.
As for Atletico’s other injury concerns, former Tottenham full-back Kieran Tripper is definitely out of contention after undergoing groin surgery while £126m summer signing Joao Felix faces a race against time to be fit and is unlikely to be risked in Diego Simeone’s side’s Friday night La Liga fixture at Valencia.
Another former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is now expected to be available after limping out of the Madrid derby on February 1 with a groin problem and could feature in Atletico’s Friday night La Liga fixture at Valencia, while right-back Santiago Arias is to return to training after missing the last three matches also with a groin problem.
Defenders Jose Gimenez and Hector Herrera are also now thought to be fit for the match with Jurgen Klopp high flying side. Athletico Madrid have enjoyed a poor season by their own standard so far, as they are 13 points behind cross City rival and table toppers Real Madrid.
They will have it all to do against a very formidable side, Liverpool, who have won all their matches except one in the league this season, opening an almost unreachable lead against rivals in the process.