Atletico Madrid centre-forward Diego Costa has been named in the travelling squad for Thursday's Europa League semifinal first leg at Arsenal, raising hopes [or fears] that the ex-Chelsea man could return unexpectedly from a hamstring problem to play.
Spain international Costa has not played since limping out of Atletico's Europa League quarterfinal with Sporting Lisbon on April 12, with coach Diego Simeone saying last weekend that the aim was to the get the 29-year-old fit for the second leg against Arsenal in Madrid on May 3.
However, on Tuesday evening Atletico, named him in their travelling squad for the game, with the list also confirming that other injured players Juanfran Torres and Filipe Luis were remaining behind in the Spanish capital.
📋 | SQUAD LIST
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 24, 2018
🏧 Check out who @Simeone called up for Thursday's @EuropaLeague semifinal against @Arsenal! 👇#AúpaAtleti #ArsenalAtleti #UEL pic.twitter.com/JwUMJPRvu9
Simeone is short of numbers for the game, given he was already working with a small squad after five players left in January and February.
That means youngsters Alex Dos Santos [goalkeeper], Sergi [left-back] and Roberto Olabe [midfielder] are also making the trip to London.
Costa scored three goals and collected four wins in six games against Arsenal while at Chelsea, while also being involved in a number of controversial incidents with Gunners players.
He was banned for three games after being found guilty of violent conduct during a Premier League game in September 2015.