Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is expected to be sidelined until 2020 after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc.

Although the La Liga outfit have not put a timescale on his recovery, it is reported that Costa could be out of action for at least two months.

A statement on the club’s website read: “Diego Costa underwent surgery on his cervical disc herniation in Madrid on Thursday. According to the information provided by the club’s medical services, the operation has gone as planned.”

The former Chelsea forward has scored two goals in 15 appearances this season and last featured as a late substitute in a 3-1 win against Espanyol on November 10.

The injury update comes a day after centre-back Stefan Savic suffered a relapse of the thigh injury he picked up with Montenegro in October.

Provided by Press Association Sport