Thigh Injury Forces Spain‘s Costa Out of World Cup

Spain‘s Diego Costa will miss the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury in training on Thursday, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said.

The Atletico Madrid striker was forced to leave the training session in Krasnodar, Russia, after feeling pain in his right thigh, the RFEF said in a statement.

Costa, who scored three goals in seven appearances for Spain, was taken to a nearby hospital where tests confirmed he had suffered a grade two strain, which usually requires around two weeks’ rest.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has until June 2 to name his final 23-man squad for the tournament in Brazil, which starts on June 12.

Costa has been a key player for Atletico this season, scoring 27 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions to help the side win the Spanish league title and reach the Champions League final.

He made his debut for Spain in March 2014 and has since scored 10 goals in 20 appearances, including a goal in the 2-0 friendly win over Italy last week.

Spain are in Group B at the World Cup along with Chile, Australia and the Netherlands.

They play their opening match against the Dutch on June 13 in Salvador.

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Keywords:

Diego Costa, Spain, World Cup, Atletico Madrid, Vicente del Bosque, RFEF, Krasnodar, Russia, Brazil, Champions League, Italy, Chile, Australia, Netherlands, Salvador