Atletico consider an operation for Costa LaLiga Santander The club is looking for a solution to his repeated discomfort

Diego Costa was the notable absentee from Atletico Madrid's training session ahead of their home Champions League tie against Monaco on Wednesday evening and it is thought that the 30-year-old may undergo surgery to solve the persistent issues in his foot.

The Brazilian-Spaniard has been suffering in the past few weeks, playing just 45 minutes against Athletic Club and then having to come off against Barcelona at the weekend, yet he still managed to get on the scoresheet against the Catalans.

It is now the belief of the club that he should have an operation to ensure that he is in good condition for the second half of the season as Atletico look to continue their title challenge, while a positive result against Monaco would secure Los Rojiblancos' place in the Last 16 of the Champions League.

Along with Costa, Atletico were also without Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez and Juanfran for the training session ahead of the Monaco game.