Injured Costa pulls out of Spain squad

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has withdrawn from the Spain squad with a groin injury.

The 28-year-old picked up the problem in the Blues’ win over Everton on Saturday.

He underwent medical tests in Madrid, where the Spain team are training ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Macedonia and next week’s friendly with England.

But Costa has not been able to take part in any sessions with his national team and will return to Chelsea for further treatment.

Blues boss Antonio Conte will hope that Costa – who has nine goals in 11 Premier League games this season – recovers in time for the trip to Middlesbrough on 19 November.