Real Madrid striker Diego Costa is set to miss Sevillas’ Europa League match against Ajax due to a knee injury.

The former Chelsea forward is still in the Spanish top flight and will miss Saturday’s fixture due to his calf injury, according to Sevilla coach Antonio Conte.

However, the 24-year-old’s injury is not expected to affect the side’s chances of reaching the knockout stages.

The Madrid striker has been a target of interest for Sevilla since he left Stamford Bridge for £10 million in 2015 and has scored seven goals in 15 league appearances this term.

He has not featured since January due to an ankle injury sustained during a 4-1 defeat to AC Milan on March 3.

However Conte, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Sevilla boss last week, is confident Costa will be fit for the Europa League encounter.

“It’s a great news that he will be back for Sevillas,” he told reporters.

“I am sure he will play.”

The Europa League tie takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in the Catalan city of Barcelona.