Credit: Imago

Dr Rajpal Brar

Thu 27 February 2025 19:10, UK

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins still carries a slim risk of re-injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.

The injury expert claims that the England international was out with a Grade 2 setback recently and while he has featured in multiple games since, he’s not played the full 90 minutes in the last two.

Even in the 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Tuesday, the 29-year-old was withdrawn in the 68th minute.

Unai Emery can use Ollie Watkins for the full game against Cardiff City

The Villans will be looking to put the league’s disappointing result behind them when they take on Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

Unai Emery’s side will play host to the Championship side at Villa Park on Friday, 28 February.

Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, told Villa News: “He had suffered an injury in the groin/pelvic region and it looked muscular based on video analysis.

“The timeline of a couple of weeks would align with a Grade 2 injury.

“Key to avoiding re-injury is not rushing back and ramping up appropriately.

“While he does have a minor risk of re-injury, given that’s the nature of competitive football, he should be fine to play 90 minutes.“

Premier League form must continue for Ollie Watkins

While Dr Brar did mention a slim risk of re-injury, it is unlikely to dissuade Emery from starting Watkins.

With a good chance of going deep in the FA Cup and potentially even winning it, he may opt to start the English forward.

Alternatively, he may opt to rest him for the Champions League tie against Club Brugge which is in mid-week.

Regardless, it’s important that Watkins continues his form in the Premier League, where he’s got 18 goals + assists this season.

Emery also will need to keep him fit and balance their deep run in two competitions so it remains to be seen how he decides to utilise his main striker.