Aston Villa top scorer Ollie Watkins may miss his team's trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (5.30pm GMT) due to a thigh injury that forced him off in the first half during their 3-2 win over Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Striker Watkins did not start for the first time in Villa's Premier League campaign as Unai Emery's side won 1-0 at home to Southampton on Saturday, and the Spaniard praised the 28-year-old's contribution since returning from England's European Championship stint. 2024 in June and July.
“I don't know because we're waiting,” Emery said of a potential return for Watkins, adding that the man who has scored seven goals and three assists in 15 Premier League games in 2024/25 was “recovering” on Thursday.
“We will train (on Friday) and if (he) is training as usual and feels good, he will be available. If (he) is not, (then) no.”
focus on #NFOAVL 👀 pic.twitter.com/CtXFFXZxC1
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 12, 2024
Ollie Watkins stats
Watkins made an unforgettable impact in 59 minutes over three substitute appearances for the Three Lions in Germany, scoring a last-gasp winner in their semi-final win over the Netherlands.
He started the season by going three games without a goal before registering five goals and five assists in Villa's next five league matches.
“His preparation for the new season was different as he played more games and (the previous season) ended later,” Emery admitted. “He started with some pain and minor injuries, but he was available to help the team and did a great job in August, when we were struggling a bit and he was gradually improving.
In our next test. 👊
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“Even when he's not playing at 100%, he always does his job and succeeds in everything we need in every game. I can't say anything bad about him.
“He is our striker along with John Doran and a good example for others. He has been here for five years and feels something special here because his commitment is very high.
John Doran is 'important' for Villa
Doran was used as a substitute for Watkins in the league before starting against the Saints, scoring the only goal of the game in the 24th minute.
The Colombian striker established a reputation as a prolific substitute during Villa's first five league matches, scoring four goals from the bench.
Seven minutes after Watkins was substituted, the 21-year-old scored to put Villa 2-1 up in Leipzig as they won for the fourth time in their six league matches.
🎶John Doran is on my mind
It is Villa No. 9 🎶Wishing John a very happy birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/uSWa66zdBK
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 13, 2024
“We had (rotation) to help and sub (in place of Watkins), he played with the structure we had and had success,” Emery said.
“This is what is best for us now: two important strikers. One is young and has great potential, and the other is always playing with us.”
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Seventh-placed Villa have won three consecutive matches in all competitions, but have lost their last three away matches in the Premier League.
Forest won 3-2 at Manchester United on Sunday, improving its three-game losing streak in four matches and raising coach Nuno Espirito Santo's team to fifth place.
For the second time this season. 🏆
Nuno and his team received an award @LMA_ManagersPerformance of the week after our win over Manchester United. 👏 pic.twitter.com/tGok6WhOou
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“They are doing a great job (and having) a great season,” Emery said. He added: “Last season we played in different conditions and lost (2-0) there.
“I know how many difficulties we will face tomorrow. (Santo) has a very competitive team and they are competitors that we are trying to fight in the table for a European position. I am motivated, motivated and have a lot of respect for them.”
