With just three days to go before Atlético play their league decider with Barcelona, the news is good for Diego Simeone who will be able to call on his star striker, Diego Costa.

The forward suffered a muscular injury last Thursday and while he was named in the original squad of 19 for the crucial game against Málaga at the weekend, he was finally left out on the day of the game.

The Argentine coach did not want the player to risk a further breakdown on one of his typical runs for goal, against Malaga. With two historically important games after last Sunday - the trip to Camp Nou in La Liga and Real Madrid waiting in the Champions final - his caution was completely understood.

A meeting took place on Monday at the club's training ground in Majadahonda to check on the physical condition of the player. As well as Costa, Simeone was present along with the assistant coach, the head of the club's medical staff, the fitness coach and club physiotherapist. The objective was to put in place a plan, together with the player, to make sure he would be fit to run out at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

Costa worked in the gym and out on the pitch to check his fitness and the results could not have been more positive, leading the doctors to give the thumbs up on his chances of playing against Barcelona.

The Champions League final is also something to take into consideration at this stage of the season and they will not want to take any unnecessary risk before that, but for the time being at least, the signs are good.