Atletico Madrid have announced that Diego Costa is to undergo an operation on a nagging foot complaint.
The Spain international striker has managed pain in his left foot ever since suffering a broken metatarsal back in 2006.
With the problem now causing him discomfort once more, the decision has been taken to send him for surgery in Brazil.
A statement released by Atletico on their official website read: “Diego Costa is to be operated on in Brazil this week due to ongoing pain in his left foot.
“After considering all the possible options, the decision has been made to undertake the operation in Brazil, supervised by Atletico de Madrid's medical services.
“Our striker, who had an operation on the fifth metatarsal of his left foot 12 years ago, has been enduring ongoing pain due to foot trauma suffered three weeks ago.”
Atletico will be hoping that going under the knife allows Costa to return to peak condition.
He has been enduring a difficult 2018-19 campaign in front of goal, with just three efforts recorded so far.
Those strikes have come in important games, helping to secure Super Cup glory, three Champions League points at Monaco and a 1-1 draw with Barcelona, but more is expected of the 30-year-old.
He drew a blank in his most recent outing, as Atletico were held by Girona on Sunday, but Diego Simeone claimed to be happy with Costa’s contribution after that game.
The Argentine coach said: “It was typical Costa, he is working hard, he is giving his all in every game.
“I liked the team a lot, in the first half we were able to do what we wanted. We were up against a tough side that is in form, and after they scored it was a game that could have gone either way.”
It now remains to be seen when Costa will be ready for competitive action again.
Atletico will hope that they are not without him for long, with just three points separating them from leaders Barcelona in the Liga table.