Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa keeps in shape with sparring session in the ring as he continues route back to fitness ahead of January return
- Diego Costa has been taking part in sparring sessions as he tries to get fully fit
- The Atletico Madrid forward was seen boxing a local coach in a gym in Madrid
- The 29-year-old is trying to get fit for his anticipated return to action in January
- Costa has been put on an extra fitness regime by Atletico boss Diego Simeone
- He is not available for selection until the new year due to Atletico's transfer ban
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is pulling out all the stops in attempts to race back to fitness.
The 29-year-old took to the ring this week for a sparring session as he continues to try and get himself in shape for his return to action.
Nine Fitness, a gym launched by his team-mate Fernando Torres which is situated close to the Spanish capital, posted a video of Costa being put through his paces - as he boxed a local coach - on their Instagram account on Thursday.
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa took part in a sparring session this week at a local gym
The 29-year-old Spain international was seen boxing as he continues his route back to fitness
Nine Fitness, which was launched by Fernando Torres, posted the video of on their Instagram
After self-imposing his exile and spending the summer in his native Lagarto - after a bust up with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte - the Spain international has been miles away from being match fit.
But since hooking up with his new team, following his £57million switch from Chelsea last month, his fitness has considerably improved.
As well as taking part in extra fitness activities he has been training alongside his Atletico team-mates under the watchful eye of notorious coach Oscar 'Profe' Ortega.
The forward was seen working hard at their Ciudad Deportiva training pitch during the latest international break.
Ateltico boss Diego Simeone has also placed him on an extra intensive fitness regime away from the rest of his squad after assessing the striker's condition as he aims to get him ready for the new year.
While Costa is able to train with the rest of their players the club cannot register him to play for them until 2018 due to a transfer ban.
Providing he's fit he could be in line to make his second debut for the club against Getafe in La Liga at their new stunning Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on January 7.
Costa is aiming to be fit to make his long-awaited return for the side he joined last month
He looked tired after the gruelling session but looked in better shape than he has recently
Costa has been training with his team-mates under the wetchful eye of Oscar 'Profe' Ortega
But has also been placed on an extra fitness regime in hope he will be ready in the new year
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