Having had the alternate lars surgery (a synthetic graft inserted) to repair his anterior cruciate ligament in September last year, Costa has reinjured the same knee again while playing for United’s Youth Team against Perth Glory Youth 10 days ago.
 
The injury occurred just before half time in a seemingly harmless action as the talented midfielder went to change direction but his knee unfortunately again gave way.
 
“I received the ball and went to turn in the opposite way that I was running, and the knee just twisted out, similar to how it happened last time,” a shattered Costa recalls.
 
“I was in quite a lot of pain when it happened, it felt pretty similar but I wasn’t too sure.”
 
Adding to Costa’s dismay is that the injury took place just before he was scheduled to sit his Year 12 exams.

Due to his school commitments, the 18 year old only went in for scans yesterday to find out he had torn his ACL again and would require a full knee reconstruction.
 
Sadly for Costa, he can expect the rehabilitation process to be longer the second time around, as he will undergo a conventional knee reconstruction rather than again having the option of using a synthetic graft, a procedure which results in a shorter recovery time.
 
“It’s pretty hard to take in,” Costa said on the realisation that he was now looking at another lengthy period on the sidelines.
 
“It’s just really disappointing because I’ve come back from a long recovery, and I feel like I’m getting a lot stronger and fitter and starting to play some good football again.

"But now I’ve got to focus on doing the rehab again, which I know was a lot of hard work last time. It’s just a matter of having the operation now and going through it all again.”
 
Costa was back in full training nine months after his first operation, but this time is sure to be an even tougher test of his resolve as he overcomes a second serious knee injury within the space of 18 months.

But while a full recovery may be a long way off, it is a challenge the former Australian Under 17 representative is determined to conquer.
 
“You’ve just go to get past it. I know what I want to do, being a professional footballer is my goal, so that’s got to drive me to get through this,” Costa said.
 
“The doctor said there are a lot of cases where players have done the same knee twice, and are still playing at a high level so that’s reassuring.”
 
Costa has played predominantly with United’s Youth Team since landing a senior contract in June 2009 with his one Hyundai A-League appearance to date coming against Perth Glory in Round 1 of last season.