Unai Emery has admitted that Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa will be fit to play this weekend. The former had not been part of Lee Carsley’s England squad due to an injury, while Konsa lasted just over an hour against Finland on Tuesday evening.
However, Emery has revealed during his press conference that the duo, who’ve started every game thus far, are fine for Saturday. The Villans welcome a struggling Everton side and will be boosted by this most recent Emery update.
Aston Villa duo expected to be fit for Everton fixture
As a lot of excitement continues to build around Villa Park hosting Champions League games once again, the full focus must still be on the Premier League. Emery’s men welcome a winless Everton on Saturday evening looking to maintain their strong start to the campaign.
Villa’s only loss this far was at the hands of Arsenal, although if Watkins was slightly sharper in front of goal, they could’ve at least picked up a point. After finishing in the top four last season, Emery’s men currently sit in sixth place and have been handed two timely boosts on the pitch.
Emery has eased a few fears within the Villa fanbase by sharing the news that both Watkins and Konsa are fit for selection. Aston Villa’s top scorer from last season is yet to register his first strike this term and looked way off it against the Gunners before the international break but they’re a much better team when he’s leading the line.
Watkins and Konsa set to feature for Villa
While Villa fans will likely want Watkins to be starting, he does have competition behind him. Jhon Duran was linked with a move away during the summer but ended up remaining at Villa Park and now has two goals to his name this season.
The Colombian is still only 20 so has a lot to learn and room to grow, but shifting Watkins from the number-one striker spot could be difficult. There will be pressure for Watkins to perform because his goal drought can’t continue for much longer before it is to the detriment of the side.
Konsa is a different player for Vill and will be straight into every starting lineup when possible under Emery. Lately, the defender has earned international recognition and will be looking to remain a mainstay in the squad moving forward.
Emery’s men are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but their chances of doing so will likely be much more increased with Konsa in the side. This is mainly based on last campaign when he helped them keep 14 clean sheets across all competitions.