Ollie Watkins was left out of the Aston Villa squad for their Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw on Thursday night, with manager Unai Emery confirming he is dealing with a ‘small pain’.
The 27-year-old has already made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 times, as he looks set to have his best goal-scoring campaign for Villa, having set a previous best of 16.
He was not in the squad for the meeting with Legia Warsaw on Thursday night, though, with Emery confirming that he is not fully fit.
Asked whether the England international is injured or just being rested, the Spaniard said: ‘Both. He had yesterday small pain. Not very strong. We decided as well to rest him.’
Watkins is certainly not ruled out for any period of time and may well be fit again for the trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League at 2pm on Sunday.
Emery will certainly hope so, as he looks to continue his side’s fine form in the top flight, with the Villains sitting fourth in the table after 13 games.
Watkins was on target for them last time out as they picked up a huge 2-1 win away at Tottenham, which saw them leapfrog Spurs into the Champions League places.
The manager played down his side’s chances of crashing the Champions League party, though, or even qualifying for any European football next season.
‘There are seven team who are contenders more than us for the top seven positions. While we are there we are going to try to enjoy it and keep it,’ Emery told the Daily Mail following the win at Spurs.
‘Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle.
‘We can get confidence from wins like this. But it is still clear in my mind, we need balance. It’s 38 games, we have to show consistency.
‘We are in a good position but not a contender but while we are there we have to try to keep it. We have to be happy, we have to enjoy and be demanding as well.
‘Now we have to rest and think about Thursday [against Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League] and then Sunday against Bournemouth.’
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