Key man Costa is battling to be fit for Atletico’s title run-in

Andy West 12:45 10/05/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Fall guy: Atletico are unlikely to risk Diego Costa against Malaga.

    Atletico Madrid could well be without the services of leading scorer Diego Costa as they look for a victory over Malaga which could secure the La Liga title.

    Costa has been an indispensable part of their strike force, scoring 27 league goals to spearhead his team’s challenge, but he has suffered a hamstring injury which is almost certain to rule him out of this weekend’s action.

    He should be recovered in time for next week’s potentially decisive trip to Barcelona, but his absence will leave veteran David Villa as the focal point of Atletico’s attack, supported by either Raul Garcia or Diego Ribas.

    The league leaders will win their first title since 1996 if they beat Malaga at the Vicente Calderon and Barcelona drop any points at Elche.

    Real Madrid also have injury worries with the news that central defender Pepe is a doubt for the remainder of the season with a calf injury.

    The Portuguese, who has enjoyed an excellent season alongside longtime defensive partner Sergio Ramos, has been ruled out for 10-15 days, potentially making him unavailable for the Champions League final against Atletico in Lisbon on May 24.

    Pepe suffered the injury during his team’s damaging 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid on Wednesday night, and the extent of the injury was confirmed following a scan on Friday morning.

    His place will be taken by young French international Raphael Varane, who has endured a disrupted campaign after suffering a knee injury at the end of last season.

    Varane didn’t return to action until September and later had another spell on the sidelines after a recurrence of the injury, restricting him to just 13 league appearances so far this season.

    Although Varane is extremely highly rated by the Bernabeu club, his lack of playing time has resulted in a struggle to find his best form and he delivered a poor performance in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Valencia, being at fault for the visiting team’s opening goal. 

    Another concern is Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria, who suffered a groin injury in Wednesday’s draw at Valladolid and is expected to miss at least the trip to Celta Vigo.

    There is better news over Cristiano Ronaldo, who limped out of the action inside the opening 10 minutes at Valladolid with a hamstring strain.

    Ronaldo’s injury is not serious and he should be available for Celta, which Los Blancos have to win to stand any chance of prolonging their title challenge.

    Recommended