Aston Villa Injury News: Unai Emery optimistic on Ollie Watkins ahead of Manchester City clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an update on star striker Ollie Watkins after he was withdrawn at half time in their Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (Mar 30). Watkins, who has scored 16 goals in the Premier League so far was struggling with fitness ahead of the match and suffered a potential hamstring injury. Villa have a huge Premier League game in the midweek when they travel to Manchester City with the game having bearings on both the title race and top-four race.

Aston Villa suffer Ollie Watkins injury blow

Speaking to Sky Sports about why Watkins was subbed off, Emery said: “He was feeling something in his hamstring and I think we have to wait for tomorrow.

“Hopefully it’s not a big injury but it’s his hamstring. He told us he could play on but the doctor said not to take any risks.

“We will scan him tomorrow morning and hopefully it will not show a lot, but I don’t know,” Emery added after the match,” Emery added.

Watkins is enjoying the season of his life having scored 16 goals and assisted 10 in the 2023-24 Premier League season. He remains the only player to score and assisted 10 goals and 10 assists in the season.

Also Read: Watkins and Trippier lead the Premier League most assists chart after Gameweek 27

What happened in the match?

Moussa Diaby opened the scoring in the first half with a stunning finish before Ezri Konsa wrapped up the win in the second half with a looping, mis-hit cross sneaking in at the far post. Wolves had chances of their own in the match, but could not capitalise in the all-Midlands affair and had to pay the price.

As things stand, Villa are on 59 points in 30 matches and sit in the pole position to secure a Champions League spot. On the flip side, if the Premier League is allotted five Champions League spots then fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur will also reach the top European competition. Spurs are currently on 56 points after their win over Luton Town in the lunchtime kickoff in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manchester United are also in the hunt for the top four, however, those aspirations suffered huge dents after they drew 1-1 against Brentford. Mason Mount scored what looked like the winning goal for United before Kristoffer Ajer equalised in the 99th minute for the hosts. The draw leaves United on 48 points, eight points behind Spurs and 11 behind Aston Villa.

Also Read: Arsenal Leads Premier League Standings and Table Following Gameweek 29