Madrid, Dec 4 (IANS): Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez returned to training with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after missing the last four games due to a muscle injury, a day ahead of the Copa del Rey match against fourth-tier club Sant Andreu.

Gimenez's return after nearly a month is welcome news for coach Diego Simeone, who is still dealing with the absence of defenders Filipe Luis, Diego Godin and Juanfran Torres, all sidelined due to leg injuries, reports Efe news.

Simeone led Tuesday's practice featuring goalkeeper Jan Oblak, defender Stefan Savic, midfielders Rodrigo Hernandez and Thomas Partey and forwards Antoine Griezmann, Nikola Kalinic, Gelson Martin and Angel Correa.

Injured striker Diego Costa was absent, and is set to have an operation on his left foot this week after an old bone injury resurfaced in November.

After trying to play through the pain, the club said Monday that medical staff had determined a surgical intervention was needed.