Champions League final 2014: Atletico Madrid send striker Diego Costa for horse placenta treatment to aid recovery from thigh injury

Costa faces a race against time to be fit for the all-Madrid final on Saturday

Diego Costa is a major doubt for the Champions League final (Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid is making a desperate bid to have Diego Costa available for Saturday's Champions League final by sending him for treatment using horse placenta.

The Atletico striker is doubtful for Saturday's match against Real Madrid in Lisbon due to a nagging right thigh injury, but Atletico is not giving up.

The club sent the Brazilian-born Spain striker to Belgrade to seek treatment from Marijana Kovacevic, who uses fluid derived from horse placenta to repair damaged cells.

"It all depends on the horse treatment used, but I have no idea about it as I'm not a doctor," Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said. "If it doesn't help him, then it's best he doesn't play."

Kovacevic has previously treated Robin van Persie and Frank Lampard, among a number of football players.

Costa led Atletico with 36 goals in all competitions but limped out early in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona on Saturday.

"Hopefully it can help him recover in time because he is such an important player for us," Atletico fullback Juanfran Torres said. "We'd like to be able to count on him."

AP