Marcus Rashford ‘finished at Aston Villa’ after David Ornstein update
Aston Villa have to put all their efforts into Champions League qualification after being knocked out of the FA Cup.
The Villans have had an excellent season, but time is running out to get something to show for their success, having been knocked out of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Villa were on the wrong end of a 3-0 result against Crystal Palace at Wembley and now have to be prepared to get back to form for their final run of Premier League games.
Rashford set to miss rest of Villa’s season
Unai Emery made additions to his side in the winter transfer window to help him cope with the increased number of games that were coming his side’s way.
Marcus Rashford made the loan move from Manchester United as he looked to revive his career away from his parent club.
The 27-year-old has certainly had the desired impact in the West Midlands, featuring in both domestic and European games and contributing to his side’s efforts.
There has been plenty of speculation about what the future holds for the England international, too, with suggestions that his wages could be out of reach for Villa to make a permanent move.
If Rashford’s future lies elsewhere, though, then those at Villa Park are likely to have seen the last of him as he has picked up a hamstring injury.
According to David Ornstein (28 April), Rashford’s injury won’t require surgery but is likely to rule him out until the end of the season, meaning he will therefore be finished at Aston Villa – unless the loan is made permanent.
However, the forward will be doing his rehab in the West Midlands, rather than returning to his parent club sooner than anticipated.
Ollie Watkins has chance to take
Although Rashford’s contributions have helped Aston Villa, his inclusion in the side has also caused some tension as Ollie Watkins has been forced to make way at times.
Watkins made no secret of his anger at the situation after he ran riot against Newcastle United but was then dropped for the game against Manchester City.
With Rashford unavailable against Palace, Watkins took his place at the front of the attack once more, but failed to have the desired impact.
| Player | Appearanaces | Goals | Assists |
| Watkins | 34 | 15 | 7 |
| Rashford | 10 | 2 | 3 |
There is now speculation over the future of the forward at Villa, with suggestions that he may be looking to move on after being dropped by Emery.
However, now his rival is out of the side, Emery will be forced to go with Watkins as the only option giving him the opportunity to show why he should be the main man at Villa Park going forward.