---
title: "Costa to return for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/costa-to-return-for-atletico-madrids-champions-league-clash-with-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-02-06T07:30:00Z"
modified: "2020-02-06T07:30:00Z"
---

# Costa to return for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool

Diego Costa is set to return from injury in time for Atletico Madrid’s clash with Liverpool on February 18th, according to *[Cadena Ser](https://twitter.com/carrusel/status/1225003168221794304?s=20)*.

The 31-year-old has been missing for the La Liga giants since November, having suffered a [herniated disc](https://www.besoccer.com/new/diego-costa-suffers-from-a-herniated-disc-and-could-be-out-until-april-744621).

Costa is expected to be available for the first leg of his side’s Champions League last-16 first leg meeting with the Reds, though.

It acts as a boost to Diego Simeone, who looks set to be without strike duo [Alvaro Morata](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/02/04/morata-could-miss-atletico-madrids-champions-league-clash-with-liverpool/) and [Joao Felix](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/01/29/joao-felix-an-injury-doubt-for-atletico-madrids-clash-with-liverpool/) because of injuries to the pair.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

I think Costa’s return is a huge boost for Atletico, especially considering their aforementioned injury problems.

The Spanish international has enjoyed success when facing Liverpool in the past, [scoring twice](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diego-costa/bilanzdetails/spieler/44779/gegner/31) against them during his time at Chelsea.

A physical brute of a player, I believe he will try and isolate Joe Gomez, rather than get into scraps with the all-conquering Virgil van Dijk, considering he is the less dominant and experienced of the two.

Assuming both Costa and Gomez start the game, the Liverpool man will need to be savvy up against one of the most canny strikers in the game.

He must match him physically, track his runs in behind and not get overly involved in [confrontation](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-cup/11361672/Diego-Costa-and-Jordan-Henderson-involved-in-tunnel-bust-up-after-Chelsea-draw-at-Liverpool.html) – something Costa has thrived on throughout his career.

I expect Liverpool’s centre-backs to get the better of him, however, with recent statistics outlining their dominance.

The Reds have only conceded once in their [last 10 Premier League games](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/scores-fixtures), all of which Gomez and Van Dijk started.