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Aston Villa top scorer Ollie Watkins could miss his side’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (1730 GMT) with a thigh injury that forced him off at half-time during their 3-2 Champions League win at Leipzig on Tuesday.
Striker Watkins did not start for the first time in Villa’s Premier League campaign as Unai Emery’s side beat Southampton 1-0 at home on Saturday, with the Spaniard praising the 28-year-old’s contribution since his return from England’s impressive Euro campaign. 2024 in June and July.
“I don’t know because 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. “recovering” on Thursday.
“We are going to train (on Friday) and if it happens that he trains normally and feels good, he will be available. If (he) isn’t, (then) no.”
Focus on #NFOAVL 👀 pic.twitter.com/CtXFFXZxC1
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 12, 2024
Ollie Watkins Stats
Watkins produced a memorable performance for 59 minutes in three substitute appearances for the Three Lions in Germany, scoring the last goal in their semi-final win over the Netherlands.
He started the season going three games without scoring a goal before scoring five goals and providing five assists in Villa’s next five league games.
“His pre-season was different after he played more games and finished (the previous season) later,” Emery admitted. “He started a little bit with a little pain and injuries, but he was available to help the team and he did a fantastic job in August, when we were struggling a bit and he got progressively better.
On to our next test. 👊
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 13, 2024
“Even when he doesn’t play 100%, he always does his job and in every game he is successful in everything we need. I can’t say anything bad about him.
“He is our striker with Jhon Duran and a good example for others. He has been here for five years and feels something special here because his commitment is so great.”
Jhon Duran ‘important’ for Villa
Duran was used as Watkins’ substitute in the league before starting against the Saints, scoring the only goal of the game in the 24th minute.
The Colombian striker developed a reputation as a prolific substitute during Villa’s first five league games, scoring four times from the bench.
Seven minutes after replacing Watkins, the 21-year-old scored to give Villa a 2-1 lead in Leipzig, a fourth win in his six league matches.
🎶 Jhon Durán is on my mind
and he is Villa’s number 9 🎶We wish John a happy birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/uSWa66zdBK
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 13, 2024
“We had (Duran) help us and fill in (for Watkins), playing with the structure we have and we were successful,” Emery said.
“This is the best thing for us now: two important strikers. One is young with great potential, and the other is always constantly playing with us.”
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Seventh-placed Villa have won three consecutive games in all competitions, but have lost their last three away games in the Premier League.
Forest won 3-2 at Manchester United on Sunday, snapping a run of three defeats in four games and lifting Nuna Espirito Santo’s side to fifth.
Second time this season. 🏆
Nuno and his team were awarded @LMA_Menadžeri‘ Performance of the week for our win over 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 circumstances and lost there (2-0).
“I know how many difficulties we will face tomorrow. (Santo) got a very competitive team and they are the rivals we are trying to fight with in the table for the European position. I am excited, motivated and have a lot of respect for them.”
