£26m Aston Villa star to miss West Ham clash through injury, Unai Emery confirms

Unai Emery has confirmed Diego Carlos picked up a hamstring injury during Aston Villa's 4-0 victory over Ajax on Thursday night. The Brazilian centre-back was substituted in the 74th minute of the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie after going down in some discomfort.

It's unknown how long exactly Carlos will be sidelined but he's expected to miss Sunday's trip to West Ham United in the Premier League. Ezri Konsa and Clement Lenglet are available to step up in his absence but Villa will be desperate for some good news for Carlos after bad luck with injuries elsewhere.

“Diego Carlos felt a little bit of hamstring. I don’t if it’s a lot or not," Emery told Birmingham World during the post-match press conference on Thursday. "Maybe he might not be available for Sunday; we will tomorrow [Friday] check with him.

"Diego Carlos is very important for us because we are sometimes playing with two or three centre backs. We are always with four but sometimes we have one playing wide a little bit in the build-up as a three," Emery continued.

Carlos wasn't the only player forced off through injury against Ajax as Ollie Watkins feared fans by exiting the field in the first half. The England international collided with the visitors' goalkeeper, Diant Ramaj, and was left clutching his left knee.

Watkins carried on briefly following treatment – and he netted the opening goal – but he had to go off shortly after. Emery has since confirmed the striker's injury was merely a cut, though, providing some welcome relief for all concerned.

"We don't know exactly. He could be available for Sunday, but it is only a cut. We will wait and see tomorrow and Saturday," Emery said regarding Watkins.