Aston Villa’s head coach Unai Emery declines to explain in detail why Ollie Watkins is not in the matchday squad for the Premier League season opener at Brighton, a game Villa lose 4-0. Watkins does not travel to the Amex, and Emery instead uses other options upfront amid injuries to Brian Mbuemo and Tammy Abraham, including Emiliano Buendía as an emergency No 9.
Sources report that Emery gives a notably guarded response when asked about Watkins’ absence, saying he can “answer only with my silence” and directing questions toward Watkins. The Athletic and The Guardian link the decision to Watkins’ stated interest in pursuing a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Guardian also notes Villa’s match context, including Brighton’s early control, and a red card for new signing João Gomes shortly before halftime. Daily Post Nigeria similarly describes Emery’s cryptic comments and emphasizes that Watkins had only recently returned from his post-World Cup break.
