Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hinted he is prepared to persevere with a surprise tactical switch as the Spanish giants head into the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Arsenal in poor form.

A 0-0 draw with Real Betis means Atletico have won just one of their last five games across all competitions, though Sunday’s game comes with the significant caveat that Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin and Koke were rested.

Simeone’s side have traditionally lined up in a 4-4-2 but the Argentine fielded thee centre-backs at the Wanda Metropolitana. They may continue that approach in north London on Thursday.

“My selection in London depends on what goes through my head on Wednesday, as well as my heart,” Simeone said in his post-match press conference.

“I may use three central defenders in London, why not?

“The team is heading into Thursday's game really well. We made important changes and the players responded, I had to rotate to ensure we had fresh players. That's why I gave Vitolo, Fernando Torres, [Angel] Correa and Saul [Niguez] more minutes.

“I expect everyone to have enough match fitness by Thursday.”

Simeone confirmed on Saturday that he will be without Diego Costa for the first leg, welcome news for Arsenal fans who loathed the Brazilian-born Spain international with a passion during his three years at Chelsea.

Costa is expected to have recovered from the hamstring injury in time for the second leg in Madrid a week.

Arsenal face injury headaches of their own and will be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knee), whilst Arsene Wenger’s assessment of Mesut Ozil (flu) was not entirely encouraging, though the German playmaker is still expected to be available come Thursday.