Unai Emery Announces Ollie Watkins’ Absence During Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amid Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY has hinted that Ollie Watkins might have chosen to sit out the match for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager stated that he could not provide any explanation for Watkins’ absence from the squad during their heavy defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old forward Watkins has reportedly engaged in discussions with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
Reports indicate that the Villans have turned down FOUR offers for the England international.
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When addressing Watkins’ absence, Emery commented: “This question is for him. I can’t provide an answer. My response is silence.”
When asked if Watkins decided not to play, Emery responded: “I think you should reach out to him. Maybe you’d prefer to contact his agent for more details.”
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“It is not my place to elaborate. Only he can clarify the situation. I cannot.”
“I can discuss players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“This issue arises every season, and we’ve learned to handle it.”
“It’s something we must accept, and we have consistently responded accordingly.”
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Before the match, Emery simply answered “silence” when asked if Watkins had completed his time at the club.
Watkins’ absence, combined with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, led Emery to name a squad without a recognized striker against Brighton.
Brighton scored four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper both finding the net.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also missed Villa’s lineup as he considers a potential transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning squad.
Additionally, new £34 million signing Joao Gomes will miss Villa’s upcoming home match against Arsenal due to a suspension for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on his team’s disappointing performance, Emery stated: “We made errors that contributed to their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we completely lost control; it was an unusual and strange situation.”
“Conceding four goals is unusual based on my experience here over the past four years.”
“Moreover, the red card significantly impacted our emotional state.”
Captain John McGinn issued an apology to the traveling fans.
He remarked: “The goals we conceded were unacceptable. We genuinely apologize to our supporters.”
