Diego Costa out of Atletico Madrid's squad for Real Sociedad clash as Arsenal tie looms

Diego Costa has been left out of the squad for Atletico Madrid’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad as a hamstring injury threatens his participation in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Arsenal.

The Spanish striker, a bête noire of Arsene Wenger during his spell at Chelsea, picked up the problem in his left leg during the quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon, limping off in the 52nd minute of the match.

Costa has missed the two games since and Atletico are still yet to put a timescale on his return, though reports in Spain suggested a timescale that would leave his participation in the first leg doubtful.

With the visit to the Emirates Stadium looming just five days after Atleti face Real in La Liga the 29-year-old faces a race to recover for the tie. Atletico also have a home game against Real Betis before they travel to London.

Costa won four of his six meetings with Arsenal during his time at Chelsea, scoring three goals including the winner at the Emirates in January 2016 and the Blues’ only goal in a 2-1 FA Cup Final defeat last May.