Aston Villa Injury News – Fears For Watkins Ankle Injury Played Down

Whilst Duran is in excellent form, having both strikers available isn’t the selection headache it might appear for Emery. Watkins delivered both goals and assists consistently last term, whilst the promising Colombian, is untested when it comes to full 90 minutes or stretches of fixtures. The problem arguably comes if either is unavailable, exposing Villa’s limited strength in depth in this area of the squad. Indeed, few supporters could realistically have expected Duran to be pressing for being a starter over Watkins the year, especially given a less-than-subtle courting of West Ham’s advances for his signature in the close season.

WATKINS = “OK”

Post match, Emery played down fears about Watkins stating in his post match press conference that the attacker was ok. For most injuries, ice is recommended during the first 24 to 48 hours. This helps reduce the pain and swelling that are part of the inflammatory stage of healing, giving some indication of the purpose of the pack (pictured below). We will have to monitor closely for any updates, as Villa now prepare to face a struggling Wolves side in the  Premier League and maintain momentum domestically.

First day nerves? No chance. Villa returned in emphatic fashion to top-tier European football with a composed and ruthless win at Swiss champions Young Boys. Goals from Tielemans, Ramsey and Onana registered on a scoresheet that should have also included two more from Watkins and Duran ruled out by VAR.

After a cautious start from Emery’s side in which our hosts tested Martinez, Villa soon settled and became more comfortable on the artificial pitch at the Wankdorf Stadium. For all of the reassurances that this surface plays similarly to grass, the ball certainly behaved differently to turf, with a particularly noticeable unnatural bounce. Ultimately this didn’t affect the outcome, but any suggestion that it isn’t different simply isn’t true on this viewing.

Villa sought to take the initiative and McGinn was unlucky after Watkins cushioned a header down into his path. The ball sailed over, but it was a sighter for what was to come. Soon after a corner was lofted with precision to Tielemans who was afforded all of the time he wanted to expertly control, before guiding an effort into the bottom corner. It was a fine goal from a player in top form and who excelled yet again in a Villa shirt.