Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has been diagnosed with a cervical disc herniation which is likely to keep away for the next three months.
The Spanish club said the forward requires special neurosurgery assessment before the full scale of the injury can be established.
“The medical services of the club have conducted radiological tests of Diego Costa to assess the cervical discomfort suffered in recent days,” read an Atletico statement.
“These tests have determined that the forward suffers a cervical disc herniation.
“In the next few days he will be evaluated by specialists in neurosurgery to establish the definitive treatment.”
While Atleti have been reticent to put a timescale on the Spain international’s recovery from the injury, reports suggest that he could be sidelined for at least three months, while if the injury proves to be of the more serious variety, it could be April before he is seen on the field again.
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Costa has found the net twice from 15 appearances in all competitions this term.