Aston Villa informed from England training base seriousness of Ollie Watkins injury issue
Ollie Watkins suffered an unfortunate clash with the post during England’s win over Wales on Thursday.
Despite a nasty looking collision that left him limping, Watkins confirmed that he would “be ok” to journalists immediately after the game.
The striker had bagged a goal in the first half and was sliding in, in an attempt to get his second, when he met the post with some force.
It was feared Watkins could miss some games for Aston Villa, with the seriousness of his injury not known until Monday.
Morgan Rogers also scored against Wales to mark Villa history, with two Villans scoring in the same game for England for the first time since 1931.
Ollie Watkins update provided as striker leaves England camp
Watkins struggled as Villa beat Burnley 2-1 before the international break, with the striker losing possession 11 times and winning just one of his six ground duels.
But the striker has always been a reliable presence for Unai Emery, and the Spaniard will hope to have his forward back as soon as possible.
Luckily, he will hopefully not have to wait very long. Watkins was sent home from the England camp on Monday for further assessment at Villa.
However, speaking on Sky Sports News from England’s training camp, reporter Michael Bridge said: “We understand it’s not a serious issue, and he should feature for Aston Villa at the weekend.“
Unai Emery will hope to have Watkins for Tottenham trip
Watkins has not been at his best this season – that is for sure. But the striker still remains among the Premier League‘s very best in attack.
With 16 Premier League goals last season and 50 over the last three, the striker has produced a consistency matched by very few.
Incredibly, Watkins has played a direct hand (goal or assist) in around 42 per cent of Villa’s Premier League goals over the last three seasons.
This season, the goals have not been flowing for the 29-year-old, but the activity around the box has remained.
| Ollie Watkins | Vs Wales |
| Minutes played | 46 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Recoveries | 1 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
Watkins is getting off 1.6 shots per game according to Sofascore, and has missed three big chances so far.
On the face of it, such stats sound poor, but, in reality, they suggest that eventually the England international is getting the chances, and that the goals will return.
And away from the box, Watkins is recording 0.6 key passes per game and holds a 72 per cent pass accuracy. He’s also completing 0.7 successful dribbles per game, and winning 3.6 duels.
Emery does have other options – Donyell Malen is in superb form – but the Spaniard will want his main man back as soon as possible.
And especially to face Tottenham, who hold the Premier League’s second best defensive record this season.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247