Chelsea striker Diego Costa ‘has groin injury’, reveals Spain boss Julen Lopetegui ahead of World Cup Qualifier against Macedonia
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DIEGO COSTA is playing through the pain barrier as he is carrying a groin injury.
The Chelsea frontman has made an electric start to the Premier League campaign, spearheading his side to second spot in the league.
But as he met up with the Spain squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Macedonia and the friendly next week against England, it has been revealed he has a "haematoma in his groin," according to Spanish newspaper .
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The reports said: "Costa came with a haematoma in his groin that could have sent him back to London, but Julen Lopetegui [Spain boss] decided he should stay.
"The new coach wants him close, wants to give love and support and, more than anything, wants to make the team adapt to his game."
It's not known whether the powerful striker will be fit in time for Spain's qualifier against Macedonia, but he will undoubtedly desperate to feature against England, and his Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill.
Costa has scored nine goals this season in the Premier League, and heads the list, with Manchester City's Sergio Aguero second on eight.
It's been somewhat of a transformation for the temperamental striker. The talk in the summer was that he wanted a return to Atletico Madrid to be reunited with friend Diego Simeone.
But the smile is back on his face under Antonio Conte, as he spearheads the London club's title challenge.