Unai Emery could already have a solution at Aston Villa after Ollie Watkins update
Unai Emery could already have a solution at Aston Villa after Ollie Watkins update
Injury Hub

Aston Villa: Kobei Moore could replace Ollie Watkins after injury update emerges from Villa Park

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Unai Emery will be extremely pleased with his Aston Villa side after they claimed a 2-0 victory over Wolves in a Midlands derby on Saturday (30 March).

Moussa Diaby stole the spotlight for the Villans, smashing home the opener from outside the box after 36 minutes, and also grabbing the assist for Ezri Konsa's goal after the hour-mark.

While Emery's side took one step closer to cementing a top-four finish in the Premier League, and Champions League football, fans will be concerned after Ollie Watkins left the field at half-time.

Following the match on Saturday (30 March), the manager provided an update to AVFC TV on the seriousness of the England international's injury: "Maybe hamstring. Hopefully, not a big injury. I think tomorrow we’ll check him and [hopefully] he’s not out for a long time.

"He told us he could play on but the doctor said not to take any risks."

Jhon Duran was the man to replace the 16-goal forward, having started in the 1-1 draw with West Ham United before the international break but was hooked after 45 minutes.

The 20-year-old Colombian is far from the finished product that Villa require as a backup to Watkins, which could force Emery into looking elsewhere ahead of a clash with Manchester City on Wednesday 3 April.

Unai Emery could call upon Kobei Moore as Aston Villa search for an Ollie Watkins replacement

Kobei Moore should be a very recognisable name at Villa Park, especially considering the season he is currently having for Josep Gombau's Under 21s.

The 19-year-old has notched nine goals and three assists in 16 matches, including a brace against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2.

Moore has even proven himself against senior opposition, leading the line against Charlton Athletic and Crawley Town in the EFL Cup earlier this season, scoring against League One and League Two opposition.

Though the youngster is yet to receive his senior debut at Villa Park, he should certainly be in contention as a replacement for Watkins, if the injury is more serious than Emery is letting on.

The striker has done more than enough to warrant a call-up to the Villa first team. And despite his lack of first-team experience, could be a simple short-term fix for a striker's absence.

In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has tipped Emery “to look” at a double La Liga transfer swoop during the summer transfer window

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Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins
Unai Emery
Kobei Moore
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