RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa could possibly be accessible for the second leg of Atletico Mineiro’s Copa Libertadores semifinal in opposition to Palmeiras regardless of a hamstring damage, the Brazilian membership stated on Thursday. Costa limped off within the second half of Tuesday’s goalless first leg in Sao Paulo, prompting fears the 32-year-old could be unavailable for the return match in Belo Horizonte. However, Atletico stated the Spain worldwide is receiving “intensive therapy” in a bid to be match for subsequent Tuesday’s conflict on the Mineirao stadium. “The medical division is working to have him prepared for the sport,” Atletico stated in a social media put up. “[He] can be monitored and re-evaluated day by day.” Costa joined Atletico Mineiro on an 18-month contract in August, having not performed competitively since parting methods with Atletico Madrid final December. The Brazilian-born ahead scored on his debut for the membership – a 1-1 draw at Bragantino in Brazil’s Serie A championship on August 29. Atletico are aiming to win the Copa Libertadores for a second time whereas their Brazilian rivals Palmeiras are bidding for his or her second title in as a few years and the third of their historical past. On Wednesday, Brazil’s Flamengo prevailed 2-0 within the first leg of the opposite semifinal in opposition to Ecuador’s Barcelona SC on the Maracana stadium. The return match can be performed within the Ecuadorian coastal metropolis of Guayaquil subsequent Wednesday.
Atletico Mineiro sweating on Diego Costa fitness
