Atletico's Costa diagnosed with hamstring injury; Arsenal clash 2 weeks away

Diego Costa's anticipated return to London is now in question.

Following Friday's Europa League draw that pit Atletico Madrid against Arsenal in the semi-finals, the Spanish outfit announced medical exams confirmed the forward is dealing with an injury to his left hamstring. Though the team did not reveal the severity of his injury or a recovery timetable, Atletico will travel to England in two weeks' time to face Arsenal in its semi-final first leg on April 26.

Costa appeared to suffer the knock in the second half of his side's second-leg tilt against Sporting CP on Thursday when he looked to be in discomfort and requested to be subbed off in the 52nd minute.

The 29-year-old's history against Arsenal could provide Atletico with an edge at the Emirates Stadium, if fit. In three Premier League campaigns with Chelsea, Costa faced Arsenal on five occasions, scoring twice and winning four of those contests. He also found the back of the net against Arsenal in the 2016/17 FA Cup final, though The Gunners won that encounter 2-1.

Costa has struggled with hamstring issues in the past. In an attempt to play in the 2014 Champions League final against rivals Real Madrid, Atletico allowed the Brazilian-born Spanish international to travel to Serbia for a controversial hamstring treatment involving horse placenta. The method failed, however, as he had to be subbed off just nine minutes into the match.

Marseille will face RB Salzburg in the other Europa League semi-final.