Aston Villa boss Unai Emery reveals Ollie Watkins missed out against Legia Warsaw because he’s ‘dealing with a small pain’ – casting doubt over the striker’s availability ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth
- Ollie Watkins was not in the squad for Aston Villa's victory over Legia Warsaw
- The Premier League club will take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday
- Manchester United in a mess – they have a collapse in them – It all starts
Ollie Watkins was absent from Aston Villa's Europa League match against Legia Warsaw on Thursday because he is 'suffering from a small pain', Unai Emery has revealed.
The in-form Watkins was left out of Aston Villa's squad when 19-year-old reserve striker Jhon Duran started at centre-forward during the 2-1 win at Villa Park.
Moussa Diaby fired the hosts ahead in the fourth minute before Ernest Muci leveled the score midway through the first half.
Alex Moreno then sealed the win with a close-range goal in the second half, keeping Aston Villa top of the group.
Villa fans will be concerned about Watkins' absence as the England international has already made 20 appearances and scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.
Ollie Watkins (above) is 'dealing with a little pain', Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has revealed
The manager questioned the striker's availability for this weekend's trip to Bournemouth
When asked if Watkins missed due to injury or simply as a precaution, Emery replied: “Both. Yesterday he was a little sore. Not very strong. We also decided to give him some rest.”
With a busy run of fixtures ahead over the festive period, Aston Villa will be doing everything they can to keep their talisman fit and vital after a fruitful start to the season.
Villa take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, having jumped into the top four following a 2-1 win over Tottenham last weekend.
Emery took advantage of his side's top four chances last week, telling Mail Sport: 'There are seven teams that are more contenders than us for the top seven. While we're there, we're going to try to enjoy it and preserve it.
Watkins scored the winner in Aston Villa's triumphant 2-1 win over Tottenham last week
'Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle.
We can get confidence from wins like this (Tottenham). But it's still clear in my mind: we need balance. It's 38 games, we have to show consistency.
“We are in a good position and we are not a competitor, but as long as we are there we have to try to maintain it.
'We must be happy, we must enjoy and also be demanding.'