Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says Diego Costa could make their Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Atletico host the title holders for the first-leg of their round 16 tie on Tuesday night.

And Diego Costa could play for the first time since his injury in November, when he required surgery on a herniated disk.

"He is getting better and is training with a lot of motivation," Simeone said at his pre-match press conference.

"He is one of the 19 players called up for the game.

"There is a chance he could feature in the game."

Simeone knows pundits are claiming Atletico are rank outsiders for the tie.

"I don't mind that people say or think such things," he said.

"But the only thing that matters is what happens.

"All the words build previews, but anything can happen in the match.

"I don't sense pessimism, I sense optimism and motivation.

"The stadium will be packed and we have quality players.

"We're preparing for this game with passion and optimism, which is what I like."