Spain’s Diego Costa has been forced to withdraw from the squad ahead of Monday’s opening Euro 2016 qualifier with Macedonia after picking up an injury.
Costa had to be replaced after 67 minutes of Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to France as he limped off the field with a hamstring injury.
The former Atletico Madrid man suffered from a hamstring problem at the back end of last season and was forced to miss out on the final game of the season at Barcelona as his side did enough to claim the title.
The 25-year-old also struggled in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid and did not look in his best shape as he represented his adopted nation at the World Cup in Brazil.
However, the Brazil-born striker has looked refreshed this season since joining Chelsea in a £32million move, netting four goals in his first three Premier League outings.
A Spanish Football Federation statement read: “Diego Costa has a myofascial injury to his hamstring muscle in his left thigh. The injury was detected with an MRI scan after the player expressed some discomfort during the match against France.
“All the tests carried out by the medical staff will be sent to Chelsea.”
Spain, who are 1.08 to win Group C, have handed a surprise call-up to Barcelona teenager Munir El Hadaddi in place of Costa.
El Hadaddi has burst on to the scene at the Nou Camp this season under Luis Enrique, netting his first senior goal on his full debut in a victory over Levante on the opening day of the campaign.
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