Atletico's Costa, Savic, Hernandez, Koke, Lemar ready for Barça clash

Five injured Atletico Madrid players were back in action during Tuesday's practice, just in time for the upcoming clash with La Liga leader Barcelona.

Striker Diego Costa, defenders Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez, midfielder Koke and winger Thomas Lemar all participated normally with the group, reports Efe.

The returnees also took part in a possible starting XI that coach Diego Simeone could deploy for Saturday's home game, although they are still awaiting medical discharge.

Koke had been down for the last four matches due to a muscular edema, while Savic and Lemar had been out for the three most recent games because of a contusion and a muscular injury, respectively.

Hernandez missed the last match, also because of a muscular injury, and Diego Costa had been sidelined because of the foot injury he suffered last week in Atletico's 3-2 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Rojiblancos are still awaiting the return of their international players, including France forward Antoine Griezmann, Spain forward Rodrigo and Brazil defender Filipe Luis.

Atletico Madrid hold the third spot in the Spanish league standings with 23 points, on point difference behind second-placed Sevilla and one point behind defending champion Barcelona.

--IANS

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