Unai Emery discusses Ollie Watkins injury as Aston Villa plan next steps

Unai Emery has confirmed Ollie Watkins' half-time substitution against Wolverhampton Wanderers was due to an injury concern, with the striker taken off with a hamstring issue.

Aston Villa managed to run out 2-0 victors without their star striker but he'd undoubtedly be a huge miss in upcoming matches if the injury is serious. Twice an England appearance-maker during the international break, Watkins has hardly stopped and the lack of rest may have finally caught up with him.

“He was feeling something in his hamstring, more or less. He was saying he can continue playing but the doctor said it was better to not play with risk," Emery said during Saturday's post-match press conference. "We will check him tomorrow morning. I don’t know [the extent], sadly," Emery continued.

Everyone associated with Villa faces a nervous wait with the plan set out to assess Watkins on Sunday. The next update from Emery will be on Tuesday as the head coach hosts the press ahead of Wednesday's trip to Manchester City.

Based on the medical staff's decision not to risk Watkins for the second half against Wolves, it's probably unlikely the striker will feature midweek. Lots could change in the coming days, though, so never say never.

If Watkins does indeed miss the visit to the Etihad Stadium, Jhon Duran is the likeliest replacement. The Colombian has played second fiddle to his striking counterpart this campaign but has done well when called upon, albeit showing his rawness.