Aston Villa’s Premier League title push has suffered a major scare after Ollie Watkins picked up a hamstring injury during Thursday’s Europa League clash against RB Salzburg.
The striker limped off in the first half of a game Villa had already qualified from, leading to criticism of Unai Emery for starting his key forward in a dead-rubber fixture.
Watkins attempted to continue after pulling up but was eventually forced off, casting doubt over his availability for the weekend.
Speaking after the match, Emery said: “He felt something, but not a lot. We will test him. Hopefully, we are thinking that is not a lot. I don’t know if he will be available for Sunday.”
The injury comes at a crucial time with Villa third in the Premier League and short on attacking depth, especially with a potential loan exit planned for backup striker Evann Guessand.
Despite the concern, Villa came from 2-0 down to beat Salzburg 3-2, with teenager Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scoring a late winner.
