Unai Emery Announces Ollie Watkins Will Miss Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amid Transfer Rumors Surrounding Al Hilal
UNAI EMERY has indicated that Ollie Watkins may have decided against playing for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager mentioned he had no explanation for Watkins’ absence from the squad during their significant defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old striker Watkins is reportedly in talks with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
Reports suggest that the Villans have turned down FOUR bids for the England forward.
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When questioned about Watkins’ absence, Emery said: “This question should be directed to him. I cannot provide an answer. My answer is silence.”
When inquired if Watkins chose not to participate, Emery responded: “You may want to reach out to him. His agent might provide more insight.”
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“It’s not my place to clarify further. He is the only one who can shed light on the situation. I cannot.”
“I can discuss players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“This scenario unfolds every season, and we have adapted to it.”
“It’s something we have to accept, and we have continuously adjusted accordingly.”
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Before the match, Emery simply replied with “silence” when asked if Watkins’ time at the club had ended.
Watkins’ absence, along with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, left Emery without a recognized striker in the match against Brighton.
Brighton managed to net four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper both scoring.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also missed the game as he considers a potential transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning squad.
Furthermore, newly signed Joao Gomes for £34 million will be unavailable for Villa’s upcoming home match against Arsenal due to a suspension for lashing out at Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on his team’s disappointing display, Emery stated: “We made mistakes that led 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 not something I have experienced during my time here over the past four years.”
“Moreover, the red card had a significant effect on our morale.”
Captain John McGinn expressed remorse to the away supporters.
He remarked: “The goals we conceded were absolutely unacceptable. We sincerely apologize to our fans.”
