Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Diego Costa cannot join up with the Spain squad this week due to a thigh strain, whilst Fernando Llorente replaces him.
The Brazilian-born striker was Vicente del Bosque’s notable inclusion for this month’s friendlies with Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
However, Atleti have released a statement on Monday confirming that the injury that forced the player off in the closing stages of Sunday evening’s game at Villarreal is severe enough to stop his participation with Spain.
Los Colchoneros report that the 25-year-old has had a scan highlight broken fibres in his right thigh muscle resulting in a grade I to II strain.
Club doctors have confirmed to the Spanish Football Federation that the player cannot be called and have set him on a programme of physiotherapy to aid recovery.
Juventus’ in-form Fernando Llorente is handed a call-up in Costa’s place, the RFEF have confirmed.
