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News
‘Another Grealish situation’: Some Aston Villa fans worry after hearing Dean Smith’s comments
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith confirmed the latest injury blow on Ollie Watkins on Friday morning – and some of the club’s fans fear that they’ve got “another Grealish situation” on their hands.
Watkins, 25, is a key centre-forward that enjoyed a superb debut season with Villa last year. However, he missed the Premier League opener last weekend as his side were beaten 3-2 by Watford.
Smith has announced in today’s press conference that the English striker will also be sidelined for this Saturday’s home fixture against Newcastle United.
Watkins suffered a knee injury during pre-season, so his start to the 2021/22 campaign is delayed.
It’s been explained he’ll miss Tuesday’s League Cup tie away to Barrow, but he’s not yet ruled out of the fixture at home to Brentford on 28 August. Afterwards, it’s the first international break of the season.
“Ollie Watkins, I don’t expect to play. He’s not healed as quick as we would have liked so far. I’m hopeful that he’ll be back for Brentford,” Smith said, as quoted by .
“If not, he’ll definitely be back after the international break. He suffered a knee injury. I don’t know too much about what it was but we were hopeful he’d be ready for tomorrow, but I don’t expect him to play.”
Villa fans worried about Watkins injury news
A selection of Villa supporters are fearful that Smith doesn’t know the full extent of the Watkins injury.
Several are suggesting it’s similar to when Jack Grealish missed a few months in the second half of last season with a shin problem. Of course, the 25-year-old is no longer a Villa player after joining Manchester City this summer.
It’s obvious how much Watkins gives this Villa team with his pace and energy. There is an opportunity for new signings such as Leon Bailey and Danny Ings to try really shine in his absence, though.
Here are some Villa fans discussing Watkins:
In other news, ‘Give the boy a start’: Some Liverpool fans desperate for Klopp to play £70k-a-week star on Saturday