Aston Villa cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League after a 4-0 second-leg win over Ajax, but it might have come at a cost – with star striker Ollie Watkins picking up an injury.
Watkins has been on fire. Thursday had been a good day for him, retaining his England place ahead of friendlies against Belgium and Brazil. He then got his name on the score sheet, his 22nd this season.
But, he limped off in the first half after taking a whack to the knee. Unai Emery said after the match that he could still be in contention to play for Villa against West Ham in the Premier League this weekend.
However, Leon Bailey was not as optimistic. He spoke to TNT Sports after Villa’s massive 4-0 win over Jordan Henderson’s Ajax – and he says that the injury to Watkins “looked really bad” after it happened.
“It looked really bad when I saw it. It was an open wound. I didn’t want him to come off but Jhon Duran did brilliantly. It was sad to see him come off,” Bailey said, who also got his name on the score sheet.
Leon Bailey has some worrying news for Aston Villa fans
A player that has even attracted the praise of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou – who labelled him as “outstanding”. Villa needs Watkins, who continues to go from strength to strength under boss Emery.
Emery will be desperate to rush Watkins back and get him to play against West Ham on the weekend, as Villa remain in the hunt for European qualification this season. But, he will want to play for England, too.
Alan Shearer says he is underrated, and one of the most-improved players in the Premier League right now – and that says everything. Villa need Watkins fit if they are going to do anything, this season.
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