Unai Emery has provided an Aston Villa injury update ahead of the Premier League clash against Brentford
14:19, 30 Jan 2026Updated 14:52, 30 Jan 2026
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins came off injured against RB Salzburg(Image: Getty Images)
Unai Emery is hopeful that Ollie Watkins can feature for Aston Villa against Brentford on Sunday.
The striker was forced off injured in the first half of Villa’s win over RB Salzburg on Thursday night.
After appearing to feel his hamstring, Watkins signalled to the bench and was substituted in the 35th minute.
Villa have also received a boost with the return of Ross Barkley, who trained with the squad at Bodymoor Heath on Friday afternoon.
“Ruled out are Kamara, McGinn, Tielemans, Andres (Garcia) and Alysson. Watkins, we will see tomorrow. Today he had a scan, and it’s not a clear injury,” Emery said.
“He was tired yesterday and the scan is not giving us bad information.
“We will see tomorrow if he’s not feeling comfortable or if he’s feeling comfortable to decide to be with us on Sunday.
“Ross Barkley is coming back, training with us. Today, normal training with the group, and maybe we can include him in the squad.”
Villa have never lost in 10 previous home league meetings with Brentford, the most times they have faced a side at home without suffering defeat.
However, after an eight-game winning run at Villa Park in the Premier League, Villa were beaten 1-0 by Everton last time out. They have not lost consecutive home league games since February 2024.
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