Jhon Duran in line to start for Aston Villa against Everton amid Ollie Watkins injury concern
Bryan King claims Jhon Duran will be ready to start for Aston Villa against Everton at Villa Park on Saturday 14 September.
The ex-Villa scout has suggested that Unai Emery will need “to wait and see” on the availability of Ollie Watkins.
It comes after the 28-year-old withdrew from the England squad for September’s UEFA Nations League fixtures (via England Football, 3 September).
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes this is why it is important to have cover in every position across the pitch.
“The concern will be if he is fit for the next match,” King said.
“They play Everton at Villa Park after the international break. However, if Watkins isn’t available, Duran would no doubt be able to start in his place.
“It is always good to have cover in every position, and it looks as though Villa have been trying to achieve that. We will now have to wait and see if Watkins is fit for the visit of Everton.”
Jhon Duran to start for Aston Villa against Everton amid Ollie Watkins concern?
If this news emerged last season, supporters would have been incredibly concerned. However, after the way the season has started, some fans at Villa Park might welcome Duran starting against Everton.
Watkins has been struggling this season, with the striker yet to find the back of the net after three Premier League matches. Therefore, a break might be what the Englishman needs.
Meanwhile, Duran has been on fire, netting twice off the bench this season.
As a result, he arguably deserves a start anyway, and an injury to Watkins could offer Emery the perfect opportunity to hand the 20-year-old that start.
While supporters will of course be hopeful that Watkins’ injury isn’t long-term, Duran is more than capable of filling in against the Toffees.
In other Aston Villa news, a Matty Cash injury update has been shared by a doctor.
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