Diego Costa and Vitolo could make debuts against Lleida
Atlético's reinforcements will be cleared to play in January when the Fifa sanction expires and could feature in the Copa del Rey tie.
Atlético Madrid are counting the days until Diego Costa and Vitolo can pull on the red and white shirt. The Spain international has been working hard in the gym and looks in decent shape while Vitolo, who has been on loan at Las Palmas, is in Madrid recovering from a muscle injury. Both can be registered by Atlético on Janaury 1, when a Fifa-imposed ban for irregularities in the signing of youth players expires.
After Tuesday’s Copa del Rey draw, Costa and Vitolo could make their debuts for the club against third-tier Lleida between January 2 and 4, with the schedule yet to be finalized. In the league, the first available opponent for the pair will be Getafe when the Madrid side travel across town to the Metropolitano.
Costa and Vitolo expensive January recruits
Costa signed for Atlético for a second time for a fee reported to be around 65 million euros following torturous negotiations with Chelsea after the striker fell out of favour with Antonio Conte. Unable to play for the side until January, Costa has been under the tutelage of Atlético fitness trainer Profe Ortega, whose harsh regime appears to have paid dividends.
Vitolo joined the Rojiblancos after a stellar season at Sevilla after the Atlético board met his 36-million-euro buyout clause. The Spain international spent the first half of the season on loan at Las Palmas but injuries hampered his impact as the Canary Islanders struggled in the league.
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