Ollie Watkins backed to ‘hit the ground running’ for Aston Villa after England developments
Dan Bardell has backed Ollie Watkins to return to goalscoring form for Aston Villa in the coming weeks after withdrawing from the England squad.
The 28-year-old reported to St George’s Park before returning to Bodymoor Heath to undergo rehabilitation for ongoing issues [England, 3 September].
This will allow the Villa star to have a rest after struggling to find form in the opening three games of the new Premier League season.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes the Englishman will return to form ready for the Champions League after missing out on international duty.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think him not going on international duty will be the best thing that could have happened for him.
“He’s carrying an injury at the moment so he can stay and have that looked at while having a break. We know he had a fast turnaround after the EUROs, he didn’t get a preseason and was rushed into the Premier League.
“I’d expect him, once the international break is done, to hit the ground running and get back amongst the goals.
“I’m not worried about him at all after he got off to a slow start at the beginning of last season. He’s going to get up and firing ahead of the Champions League starting.“
Ollie Watkins backed to hit Aston Villa form after England
The striker had the season of his life last time around which saw him register 27 goals in all competitions [FotMob].
As a result, expectation was piled on the England international to deliver for the Villans once again, moving into the new campaign.
Watkins hasn’t been able to live up to that after firing blanks in the opening three games with Jhon Duran and Amadou Onana scoring the goals.
It has appeared that the former Brentford man isn’t fully fit and that has seen Unai Emery take him off in each of his last three appearances.
After a rest during the international break, the Villa number 11 will hopefully be fit and firing once again.
In other Aston Villa news, ace shines with a brace in a penalty masterclass.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.