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Chelsea rocked: Diego Costa ruled out of Spain's double-header with injury
DIEGO COSTA has been withdrawn from Spain's squad due to injury.
Diego Costa - 5 things you need to know
The Chelsea striker was carrying a groin injury he suffered in Saturday's 5-0 Premier League win over Everton and immediately underwent medical tests when he met up with the Spain squad.
The 28-year-old has been replaced with fellow striker Iago Aspas, who has scored seven goals across all competitions for La Liga side Celta Vigo this term.
Diego Costa has been ruled out of action for Spain's double-header
Diego Costa has scored nine goals in 11 Premier League games for Chelsea this season
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui had said that Costa's recovery had been disappointing, and the team later confirmed on their Twitter account that he had left the squad.
And it will come as a blow to Blues manager Antonio Conte, who has relied on Costa's nine goals in 11 Premier League appearances to move second in the table.
OFICIAL | @aspas10 se incorporará a la concentración de la @SeFutbol en lugar de @diegocosta, que se marcha por lesión pic.twitter.com/z7wHwUXR0P
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) November 10, 2016
Julen Lopetegui to be without Diego Costa for Spain double-header
Chelsea face Middlesbrough after the international break, and Conte will be desperate to have him fit for the following title clashes with Tottenham and Manchester City.
Spain will go up against Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday before playing England in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday.
Lopetegui's side are top of qualifying Group G, level on seven points with Italy after three matches.
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