Ollie Watkins was taken off after an hour against Young Boys (Picture: Getty)
Unai Emery has delivered a positive injury update on Ollie Watkins ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown against Wolves.
The England striker returned to goalscoring form last weekend in Villa’s comeback win against Everton but was forced off on the hour mark during the midweek Champions League victory over Young Boys.
Emery played down the severity of the injury in the wake of a convincing 3-0 triumph and declared Watkins fit to start against their midland rivals.
‘He is available 100% to play,’ said Emery. ‘He is sometimes stopping because we have to protect the players but now, he is totally 100 per cent.’
Emery does at least have the in-form Jhon Duran should Watkins’ condition worsen before kick-off and the former Arsenal boss has been delighted with the progress the Colombia international has shown this season.
Ollie Watkins had ice strapped to his right ankle after being substituted (TNT Sport)
Ollie Watkins was replaced by Jhon Duran after 60 minutes (Reuters)
‘As a striker, he is clearly helping us score goals and making a good impact but the idea is to play in the starting 11,’ said the Vilal boss.
‘I don’t know [if he will start] tomorrow or Tuesday or next weekend but he is close and ready to play and add more minutes to play with us.
‘[He might] play with Watkins, play together, play alone.
‘We have a very good player and his commitment now is getting better. I think after a difficult summer he is 100 per cent focused here. I think everything now is going like we want.’