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Unai Emery may very well be spared having to determine between Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran because of the England striker carrying an harm into tomorrow’s conflict with Nottingham Forest.
Watkins has been first-choice within the sole placing function this season however Duran has scored six objectives off the bench – essentially the most of any participant in Europe’s big-five leagues, together with a long-range effort within the midweek Champions League victory at RB Leipzig.
The Colombian got here on at half-time in Germany with Watkins sustaining a niggle that might see him miss the brief journey to the Metropolis Floor.
Emery mentioned: “I don’t know [if Watkins will be available] as a result of we’re ready.
“Yesterday [Thursday] he was recovering and this afternoon we’re going to prepare. If he trains usually and he’s feeling good, he shall be obtainable tomorrow.”
Heading to East Midlands 🔜 pic.twitter.com/fTBEidULHZ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 13, 2024
Emery impressed by Watkins
Though Duran has grabbed the majority of the headlines this season, Emery was fast to reward the contribution of Watkins.
The Spaniard added: ”Ollie began this season with totally different circumstances from what he was often doing within the years earlier than as a result of he was with the nationwide crew [at Euro 2024].
“His enchancment was clearly demanding he go one step ahead in his profession and the place is totally different after taking part in extra matches and ending later.
“He began a bit beneath his ft and with some extra ache and accidents, however he was kind of obtainable to assist the crew and he did improbable.
“We additionally had Jhon Duran to assist… and being profitable as effectively. That is the very best for us now – two necessary strikers, one in Jhon who has large potential and one other who has consistency with us.
“Even when he [Watkins] is taking part in not 100 per cent for some small harm, however being obtainable to play, he’s at all times doing his work and being profitable in every little thing we want in every match. I can’t say nothing unhealthy about him. For us, he’s our striker with Jhon Duran and he is an effective instance for others.”
Villa want to enhance document after European video games
Villa have gained simply certainly one of their 5 league video games which have adopted Champions League encounters this season however Emery was not having European commitments as a justifiable motive for his or her inconsistent home type.
“We’re not going to make use of it as an excuse ever to play lots of matches in Europe as a result of we would like it. Now we have to study and attempt to get expertise,” he mentioned.
“The experiences we had final yr had been improbable and this yr, we’re having excellent experiences in Europe and taking part in matches which might be demanding in our method.
“Roughly, we’re feeling comfy and we are attempting to be in our calls for within the excessive stage we would like. Typically there hasn’t been consistency, however it’s our ambition to be constant sooner or later with these circumstances.”
