Aston Villa top scorer Ollie Watkins could miss his side’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (5.30pm GMT) due to the thigh injury that forced him off at half-time in their 3- 2 in 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 after returning from impressing for England in the Euro. 2024 in June and July.
“I don’t know why we’re waiting,” Emery said of Watkins’ potential return, adding that the man who has seven goals and three assists in 15 top-flight appearances in 2024/25 was “on the mend” on Thursday.
“We will train (on Friday) and if he trains normally and feels good, he will be available. If (he) no, (then) no.”
Focus on #NFOAVL 👀 pic.twitter.com/CtXFFXZxC1
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 12, 2024
Ollie Watkins Stats
Watkins made a memorable impact during 59 minutes in three substitute appearances for the Three Lions in Germany, scoring the last-minute winner in their semi-final win over Holland.
He began the season by going three games without a goal, before scoring five goals and providing five assists in Villa’s next five league games.
“His preparation was different because he played more games and finished (last season) later,” Emery acknowledged. “He started a little bit with a few aches and pains but he was available to help the team and he did fantastic in August when we were struggling a bit and gradually he got better.
On to our next test. 👊
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“Even when he’s not playing 100%, he always does his job and is successful in what we need in every match. I can’t say anything bad about him.
“He is our striker with John Duran and a good example for others. He’s been here for five years and he feels something special here because his commitment is so high.”
John Duran ‘important’ for Villa
Duran had been used as Watkins’ back-up in the league before starting against the Saints, scoring the game’s only goal in the 24th minute.
The Colombian forward established a reputation as a productive substitute during Villa’s first five league games, scoring four times off the bench.
Seven minutes after replacing Watkins, the 21-year-old scored to give Villa a 2-1 lead in Leipzig as they won for the fourth time in six league games.
🎶 John Duran is on my mind
and is number 9 of Villa 🎶I wish John a happy birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/uSWa66zdBK
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 13, 2024
“We had (Duran) help out and back up (for Watkins), playing with the structure we have, and we had success,” Emery said.
“That’s the best thing for us now: two important strikers. One is young with great potential and the other always plays consistently with us.”
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Seventh-placed Villa have won three games in a row in all competitions but have lost their last three away games in the Premier League.
Forest beat Manchester United 3-2 on Sunday to improve on their three defeats in four matches and lift Nuno Espirito Santo’s side into fifth place.
For the second time this season. 🏆
Nuno and his team have been awarded @LMA_ManagersPerformance of the week for our win at Manchester United. 👏 pic.twitter.com/tGok6WhOou
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“They’re doing an amazing job (and having) an amazing season,” Emery said. “Last season we played in different conditions and lost (2-0) there.
“I know how many difficulties we will face tomorrow. (Santo’s) have a very competitive team and they are opponents we are trying to fight up the table for a European place. I’m excited, motivated and have a lot of respect for them.”
