Diego Costa will miss the start of pre-season training after reaching a mutual agreement with Chelsea over his absence.

The 28-year-old striker did not join the squad as they returned to work Monday.

It is unclear exactly when the Spain international will return to training with the Premier League champions, who are due to travel to China and Singapore next week for their summer tour.

Costa claimed last month that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had informed him in a text message he was not part of the Italian’s plans going forward at Stamford Bridge.

He has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, who he left for Chelsea in 2014, despite the Spanish club’s transfer embargo.

He has previously ruled out moving to China as he does not want to jeopardise his World Cup hopes, but conceded staying to fight for a starting place at Chelsea is a waste of time.