Costa, Morata boost Atletico before Barca showdown

Atletico Madrid were handed a late boost ahead of their top-of-the-table showdown at La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday as strikers Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa were both passed fit for the game after recovering from injuries.

“Good news! Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata have received the medical all-clear and will be available for Barca-Atleti,” the club said on its official Twitter account on Saturday.

Costa hurt his hamstring in last Saturday’s 4-0 win at Alaves and missed Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Girona although medical tests ruled out a torn muscle. Morata sprained his ankle against Girona and looked certain to miss the game with Barca.

Atletico trail Barca by eight points at the top of La Liga with eight games remaining and realistically have to win at the Nou Camp, where they have not earned a victory since 2006, to stay in the title race.