Former rivals Diego Costa and Gabriel Paulista will cross paths again when Atletico Madrid and Valencia lock horns on Sunday.

Costa was given a three-match ban in September 2015, when put his hands in Laurent Koscielny's face before clashing with Gabriel during Chelsea 2-0 win against Arsenal.

The Valencia defender was also handed the same punishment for raising his leg and appearing to catch the Atleti striker, although his suspension was overturned.

“He’ll play. He’s ready for the match and feeling very well,” Coach Diego Simeone said at a Press conference.

The 29-year-old had missed Los Colchoneros’ last two games with a hamstring injury, but Filipe Luis is still sidelined with his.

Simeone also had a famous visitor in training on Saturday, with former Manchester United midfielder – now Republic of Ireland assistant – Roy Keane in attendance to study the Argentine’s methods.

Gabriel, meanwhile, was backed by Valencia boss Marcelino after his recent handball and red card against Las Palmas and injury scare, which saw him risk ankle ligament damage.

“Gabriel’s a passionate player,” noted the ex-Villarreal trainer.

“He knows that he made a mistake, but he’ll always be at a competitive level. He’s a very good player. Neither his injury nor mistake has effected him.”

Los Che remain without Jeison Murillo and Gonzalo Guedes, while Andreas Pereira faces a month on the treatment table after tearing a thigh muscle against Barcelona midweek.

Finally, Argentine forward Luciano Vietto is ineligible due to being on loan from Atleti.

Atletico Madrid (probable): Oblak; Vrsajlko, Savic, Godin, Lucas; Correa, Koke, Saul, Carrasco; Griezmann, Costa

Injuries/suspensions: Filipe (I)

Valencia (probable): Neto; Nacho Vidal, Paulista, Vezo, Lato; Maksimovic, Parejo, Coquelin, Soler, Zaza

Injuries/suspensions: Murillo, Guedes, Pereira (I) Vietto (ineligible)

Referee: Iglesias Villanueva

Form guide: Atleti – 2nd (W D W W L) Valencia – 3rd (L L W W L)

Previous meeting: Atleti 3-0 Valencia

Venue: Wanda Metropolitano

Kick-off time: 19:45 GMT/20:45 local time

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Tags Diego Costa Gabriel Paulista
La Liga - Club News