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Aston Villa high scorer Ollie Watkins may miss his aspect’s journey to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (5.30pm GMT) with the thigh harm that pressured him off at half-time throughout their 3-2 win at Leipzig within the Champions League on Tuesday.
Striker Watkins didn’t begin for the primary time in Villa’s Premier League marketing campaign as Unai Emery’s aspect received 1-0 at house to Southampton on Saturday, and the Spaniard has praised the 28-year-old’s contribution since his return from impressing for England at Euro 2024 in June and July.
“I don’t know as a result of we’re ready,” Emery mentioned of Watkins’ potential return, including that the person who has seven targets and three assists in 15 top-flight appearances in 2024/25 was “recovering” on Thursday.
“We’re going to practice [on Friday] and if it’s the case that he’s coaching as regular and feeling good, he’s going to be obtainable. If [he’s] not, [then] not.”
Concentrate on #NFOAVL 👀 pic.twitter.com/CtXFFXZxC1
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 12, 2024
Ollie Watkins stats
Watkins had a memorable impression throughout 59 minutes throughout three substitute appearances for the Three Lions in Germany, scoring the last-gasp winner of their semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
He began the season by going three video games with out a purpose earlier than producing 5 targets and 5 assists in Villa’s subsequent 5 league matches.
“His pre-season was completely different after taking part in extra matches and ending [the previous season] later,” acknowledged Emery. “He began just a little bit with some small ache and accidents, however he was obtainable to assist the crew and he did fantastically in August, after we have been struggling just a little bit and progressively he was getting higher.
Onto our subsequent take a look at. 👊
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“Even when he’s taking part in not 100%, he’s at all times doing his work and being profitable in all the things we’d like in every match. I can’t say something unhealthy about him.
“He’s our striker with Jhon Duran and a superb instance for others. He’s been right here for 5 years and feels one thing particular right here as a result of his dedication is so excessive.”
Jhon Duran ‘necessary’ for Villa
Duran had been used as Watkins’ understudy within the league earlier than beginning in opposition to Saints, scoring the one purpose of the sport within the twenty fourth minute.
The Colombia ahead established a popularity as a prolific substitute throughout Villa’s first 5 league video games, scoring 4 occasions from the bench.
Seven minutes after changing Watkins, the 21-year-old scored to place Villa 2-1 forward in Leipzig as they received for the fourth time throughout their six league section matches.
🎶 Jhon Durán is on my thoughts
and he’s Villa’s quantity 9 🎶
Wishing Jhon a really joyful birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/uSWa66zdBK
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 13, 2024
“We’ve had [Duran] to assist and to sub [on for Watkins], taking part in with the construction we now have and being profitable,” mentioned Emery.
“That is the perfect for us now: two necessary strikers. One is younger with an enormous potential and the opposite is at all times constantly taking part in with us.”
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Seventh-placed Villa have received three consecutive matches in all competitions however have misplaced their final three Premier League away video games.
Forest received 3-2 at Manchester United on Sunday, enhancing on their run of three defeats in 4 matches and lifting Nuno Espirito Santo’s aspect to fifth.
For the second time this season. 🏆
Nuno and his crew have been awarded the @LMA_Managers‘ Efficiency of the Week for our win at Manchester United. 👏 pic.twitter.com/tGok6WhOou
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“They’re doing a tremendous job [and having] a tremendous season,” mentioned Emery. “Final season, we performed in several circumstances and misplaced [2-0] there.
“I understand how many difficulties we’re going to face tomorrow. [Santo’s] received a really aggressive crew and they’re rivals who we’re making an attempt to battle within the desk for a European place. I’m excited, I’m motivated and I respect them lots.”
