Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a frank explanation for striker Ollie Watkins' significant dip in form this season, revealing the player has been battling a persistent knee injury for over a year.
The Root of the Problem: A Persistent Knee Issue
Emery confirmed that Watkins has been managing "a small pain in his knee" since the start of the 2024/25 campaign. This discomfort has severely impacted his performances, with the forward scoring just one goal in 19 matches this term and only four in his last 33 appearances for the club.
This is a stark contrast to his previous prolific output, where he netted 19 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season and followed it with 16 last year. His pre-season ahead of the last campaign was also disrupted after featuring for England at Euro 2024.
Managing the Load and Squad Solutions
The Villa coaching and medical staff are now carefully managing Watkins' training schedule in an attempt to get him back to full fitness. "We are trying to manage it with him," Emery stated. "We are trying to get him completely without pain - and through this, to feel better again, and having the confidence to score goals."
During periods when Watkins has not been fully fit, other players have stepped up. Jhon Durán notably helped ease the burden earlier this season, scoring four goals in the first five league games. More recently, Donyell Malen has been "replacing him and doing fantastically, scoring goals."
No Surgery Planned, Rest is Key
When asked if the 29-year-old striker requires an operation, Emery was clear. "He won't have surgery, for this pain he needs rest," the manager explained, citing an example where Watkins was kept inside with physios instead of training.
Despite the pain, Emery confirmed Watkins remains available for selection, with the club adopting a progressive approach. "He can play, progressively, hopefully he can feel 100 per cent well and only focus on his play and not on his pain," he added. The long-term plan is to restore the striker to his best fitness level, free from pain and able to perform consistently.
