Unai Emery Feels Ollie Watkins Should Explain Absence from Aston Villa Loss to Brighton

Brighton & Hove Albion's 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday has sparked debate over Ollie Watkins' absence from the match, with Unai Emery calling for the striker to explain his decision.

The head coach had a selection crisis up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured, but he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the England striker considers a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Emery was forced to rely on the attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendía as an emergency striker, and his team disappeared without trace on the south coast. They were 4-0 down after 31 minutes and had their new signing João Gomes sent off on his debut in the 40th minute.

Gomes kicked up and out at the Brighton striker Georginio Rutter after being dispossessed by him. Al-Hilal have made a number of bids for Watkins, all of which have been rejected. It is understood the 30-year-old is open to the move and Emery talked on Friday like a manager who was realistic about the sale happening.

Villa would plainly like to replace Watkins should he depart as they approach the end of another difficult summer window. They have already sold Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans, while they are expected to move on Emiliano Martínez.

Emery was asked why he had not picked Watkins against Brighton. “This question is for him,” he said. “I can answer only with my silence.” Emery was then asked if Watkins had refused to play, to which he said: “I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond.”

The Guardian have contacted Watkins’s agent for comment. “He [Watkins] can only explain his answer, I can’t,” Emery added, after being asked if he felt let down by Watkins.

Emery reported that Madjo would be out for “two weeks more … more or less” while attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi – who has been the club’s marquee summer signing – would “need maybe some days more [than that]”. He was unclear about a timeframe for Abraham’s return.

Emery talked up the resistance of his players in the second half against Brighton and said he was optimistic about finding solutions for the season ahead. But he returned to the difficult preparations for the opening fixture, noting that: “Two strikers are injured and another striker gives his answer.”

The head coach added: “This problem [with the transfer market] … we had every season and every season we overcame it. It’s something we have to accept and always we reacted, especially the players. This is something hard for us every year but we are calm. With this result, it’s more difficult to explain but calm, work, be positive and find solutions for the next week and after the transfer window.”

What Comes Next for Aston Villa?

Aston Villa are expected to move on Emiliano Martínez, but they will need to find a replacement for Watkins if he departs. The club has already sold several players this summer, and they will need to be active in the transfer market to strengthen their squad.

Why It Matters for Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion's 4-0 win over Aston Villa was a significant result for the club, and it has sparked debate over Ollie Watkins' absence from the match. The club will need to continue to perform well in the transfer market if they are to challenge for a top-seven finish this season.

Recent Form

Brighton & Hove Albion's recent form has been patchy, with the club losing their last four matches. However, they will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue their push for a top-seven finish.

League Standing

Brighton & Hove Albion are currently 8th in the Premier League, with 53 points from 38 games. They are 32 points behind leaders Arsenal and will need to continue to perform well if they are to challenge for a top-seven finish.

Injuries

Brighton & Hove Albion are currently without Evan Ferguson and Yankuba Minteh, who are both sidelined with injuries. The club will need to be careful with their squad management if they are to continue to perform well this season.

Image Prompt

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