MADRID (AP) - Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa was left out of the lineup for Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Barcelona after failing to recover from a leg injury.
Costa was not included in coach Diego Simeone’s squad because of a hamstring injury to his right leg. A groin injury also kept midfielder Arda Turan out.
Simeone partnered little-used Adrian Lopez with David Villa in attack, while also bringing Raul Garcia back to the lineup after the Spanish forward missed the 1-1 draw at Barcelona.
Costa has been a key player for Spanish leader Atletico, which is on the cusp of reaching the semifinals of Europe’s top competition for the first time since 1974. The Brazilian-born Spain striker has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season.
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