Chelsea news: Diego Costa sent stark warning by Spain boss Julen Lopetegui

CHELSEA striker Diego Costa has been warned his position in the Spain squad is under threat if he continues to refuse to play for the Blues.

Diego CostaGETTY

Diego Costa is still refusing to return to Chelsea

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has refused to return to Stamford Bridge all summer following a disagreement with Antonio Conte.

The Blues boss informed Costa via text message he would no longer be in his plans and Costa is demanding a move to Atletico Madrid.

Since refusing to return to London, Costa’s international career has also taken a nose dive as he has not been available for selection for Spain.

And the longer that continues, manager Julen Lopetegui has warned him he will not be considered for any matches.

Julen LopeteguiGETTY

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has told Diego Costa he cannot select him

Diego Costa poses for photos after receiving a Flamengo shirt

“Costa’s summer has been unusual, strange, complicated – not just for him but for his club,’ Lopetegui told beIN Sports.

“He is still a Chelsea player. It’s a complicated issue.

“Our hope is that he will resolve his situation as soon as possible and that he can compete, train and play.

“It’s what he likes doing the most and what interests the national team.

“It’s rather complicated that a guy who doesn’t train and doesn’t play can be with us, but that’s all it is.

“He wasn’t ready to play with us [Italy and Liechtenstein], that was the reality and what we had to deal with.

“That is the reason why he wasn’t with us.

“He needs to train and play in order to be considered.”

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