Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa will be available for Aston Villa’s match against Everton, according to Unai Emery.
Watkins is scheduled to make a comeback for the Toffees’ visit on Saturday, despite having withdrawn from his England international duty due to injury.
The 28-year-old has struggled with fitness thus far this season, despite scoring a spectacular winner in England’s 2-1 semifinal victory over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Emery stated, “He is making progress, improving, feeling better, and is a member of the squad.” “He’ll be available to play tomorrow.”
Konsa, who was substituted in the second half of England’s 2-0 victory against Finland on Tuesday, would also be available, Emery continued.
“We don’t have any major issues with the players who are returning from playing with their national team,” he stated.
Six games in 19 days, including the opening of Villa’s Champions League campaign, await Emery and the team.
“We had this experience for a year, and we were playing matches that were pretty much the same,” Emery stated. “We hope to play at least until January, but it all depends on how far we can go in the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Champions League. We’re hoping to play more games.
Of course, managing it with so many matches is challenging. Next week is Champions League kickoff, but we have experience. Despite a lot of injuries, the previous season was really exciting. We began the season with fewer injured players this year.
Watkins’ dismal form this year is evident as he has yet to score in three Premier League outings. So maybe the Englishman might need a holiday.
Conversely, Duran has been on fire this season, tallying two goals off the bench.
In any case, it’s arguable that he should start, and if Watkins is sidelined, Emery might have the best opportunity to give the 20-year-old that opportunity.
