Diego Costa is aiming to be fit for Arsenal’s first leg clash against Atletico Madrid at Ashburton Grove on 26 April as he tries to recover from a ‘slight’ hamstring strain.

Arsenal and Costa have history from his time at Chelsea and there’s no denying that facing Atletico without Costa in their side would be a far nicer proposition for Arsenal.

as 14 april 2018 diego costa fitness
AS, 14 April 2018

Suffering the problem in his left leg, Costa is attending the FREMAP de Majadahonda clinic in order to overcome the problem in time for the semi-final.

Diego Simeone will pick between Fernando Torres and Gameiro to partner Antoine Griezmann for their intervening games against Levante, Real Sociedad and Real Betis.

The Brazilian-turned-Spaniard, who is still supposedly only 29 despite looking like it’s been at least that many years since he saw his twenties, has won four of his six games against Arsenal, scoring three goals in the process and, remarkably, picking up only two yellows and no reds.

The last time Costa faced Arsenal was during the FA Cup final when Rob Holding fronted up to him, telling him he was nuts.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Rob Holding of Arsenal and Diego Costa of Chelsea argue with referee Anthony Taylor during The Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 27: Rob Holding and Diego Costa argue with referee Anthony Taylor during The Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Arsenal, meanwhile, are unlikely to have Henrikh Mkhitaryan back for the first leg but if all goes to plan, he should return in time for the second leg in Madrid.