Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has provided our latest team news ahead of our Premier League encounter against Wolves this weekend.
After our winning start in the Champions League in midweek, it’s hoped that we can continue to build momentum and positivity as we look to make it four wins in our opening five league games of the campaign.
With our Carabao Cup run beginning next week too, it’s imperative that Emery has as close to a fully-fit squad as possible, and so it was hoped that he would deliver good news on the fitness and injury front in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Ollie Watkins was seen training with the group after his knock against Young Boys in an important boost, while Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara all appeared to be taking part in group training too as they close in on comebacks from injury.
As per Emery, Jaden Philogene has been ruled out for the Wolves clash, but the Villa boss has confirmed that Watkins is available, as he played down the significance of his knocks as he will feature on Saturday afternoon.
“He’s available 100 per cent to play,” he told the media, as per VillaTV. “He had some problems (niggles), like other players, but not relevant.
“He is, of course, sometimes stopping because you have to protect the players. But now he is completely 100 per cent.
“He’s now available tomorrow 100 per cent to play.”
Meanwhile, Emery also provided an update on both Mings and Kamara, and it sounds as though the influential pair could be on the verge of featuring as they continue to work consistently as part of the group, and so hopefully we may well see them in action against Wycombe Wanderers next week to help them build up their match fitness and sharpness again.
“Kamara and Mings are training every day now consistently with the team, they started this week,” he added. “It’s very good news.”
Villa’s focus for now though will solely be on Wolves and continuing our positive start to the year, and given that this has proven to be a tricky fixture in recent times, it’s imperative that everyone is switched on and produces their best to give us the best possible chance of securing all three points.
Having Watkins lead the line will be crucial given what he offers through his goal threat, creativity, movement and work ethic, but as we’ve seen so far this season, Jhon Duran has been excellent whenever he’s come on in the latter stages, and as part of a strong bench now, Villa have options in reserve to change the game if required.
Nevertheless, it’s positive news on the fitness and injury front, and that will hopefully put us in a strong position going into more big games in the coming week or so.
