Unai Emery Shares Shocking News: Ollie Watkins Battling Knee Pain for Over a Year
Unai Emery has provided significant insights regarding Ollie Watkins’ ongoing knee issues, which have affected his performance this season. The Aston Villa forward has been dealing with this pain since the start of the 2024–25 campaign.
Watkins’ Struggles This Season
Watkins has struggled to find his form, scoring only once in 13 appearances in the Premier League. This is a stark contrast to his previous performances when he consistently led the team’s attacking line.
Knee Pain Diagnosis
Emery revealed that Watkins has been managing “a small pain in his knee” that dates back to August. The club has opted to monitor the injury rather than pursue immediate surgical intervention.
Management of Injury
- Watkins has been training intermittently to avoid exacerbating his condition.
- He missed a training session recently, focusing instead on rehabilitation with club physios.
- Emery emphasized that rest is crucial for Watkins, making surgery unnecessary for now.
Looking Ahead
Emery remains optimistic about Watkins’ future contributions, suggesting that once fully fit, the striker will regain his scoring confidence. The management team is working diligently to balance his recovery with the team’s competitive needs, especially as Aston Villa aims for a top-four finish.
The hope is that with dedicated care, a fully recovered Ollie Watkins will soon return to form, helping propel the club forward in the league.
