Atletico Madrid boost as Diego Costa included in squad to face Arsenal in Europa League semi-final

Diego Costa has been included in the Atletico Madrid squad that will travel to London to face Arsenal in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg.

A hamstring injury picked up in the second leg of the quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon had threatened to rule out the Brazil-born Spain international and his involvement in the game at the Emirates Stadium remains far from clear.

However, Arsenal will certainly not welcome the return of a striker who proved to be a considerable thorn in their side during his three seasons at Chelsea.

Head coach Diego Simeone had not been positive in his assessment of Costa in the lead-up to Thursday’s tie, with Costa having missed the squad for each of Atleti’s last three matches.

“The doctors will inform us but I think it won’t be possible for him to be ready for Thursday’s game,” Simeone said on Saturday.

“He will be [available] for sure in the return leg, but I think he has no chance to be [fit] for the first leg game.”

Simeone will have to do without experienced right-back Juanfran, who has a thigh injury. Sime Vrsaljko is set to step in to what could be a wing-back role after Atleti fielded a back three in their draw with Real Betis.