Unai Emery Confirms Ollie Watkins Will Miss Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amidst Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY has indicated that Ollie Watkins may have decided not to participate in the game for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager mentioned that he had no reason for Watkins’ exclusion from the squad during their heavy defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old forward Watkins is said to be in talks with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
Sources suggest that the Villans have turned down FOUR offers for the England striker.
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When questioned about Watkins’ absence, Emery remarked: “This question should be posed to him. I am unable to supply an answer. My response is silence.”
When asked if Watkins opted out, Emery replied: “You may want to reach out to him. His agent could provide you with more insight.”
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“It’s not my position to elaborate further. He is the only one who can clarify matters. I cannot.”
“I can discuss players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“Such situations occur every season, and we have become accustomed to adapting.”
“It’s something we must accept, and we have continually adjusted to it.”
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Before the match, Emery simply answered “silence” when queried if Watkins’ tenure at the club had come to an end.
Watkins’ absence, along with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, left Emery without a recognized striker for the match against Brighton.
Brighton netted four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper both contributing to the scoreline.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was also absent from the match as he considers a potential transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning lineup.
Additionally, newly signed Joao Gomes, acquired for £34 million, will miss Villa’s upcoming home fixture against Arsenal due to a suspension following an altercation with Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on his team’s subpar performance, Emery commented: “We made errors that resulted in their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we completely lost control; it was an uncharacteristic and bizarre situation.”
“Conceding four goals is not something I have encountered during my time here in the past four years.”
“Additionally, the red card significantly affected our morale.”
Captain John McGinn expressed regret to the away supporters.
He stated: “The goals we conceded were wholly unacceptable. We genuinely apologize to our fans.”
