Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins will miss the side’s Premier League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.
The two sides will meet at the Etihad Stadium for an 8.15pm kickoff with just one place and five points separating them in the table.
The Villans occupy fourth spot as they bid to qualify for the Uefa Champions League for the first time, while Pep Guardiola’s men are bidding to win a fourth title in a row.
Aston Villa will have to face the reigning champions without their star striker, though, after Watkins picked up a hamstring injury in the weekend’s win over Wolves. Jacob Ramsey, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since March, will also miss the match.
“Ramsey is not getting better like how he wants but Ollie’s is a small injury so he could be available for our next match on Sunday (against Brentford),” manager Unai Emery revealed in his pre-match press conference.
The Spaniard says Man City will provide their “biggest test” of the season, but he is placing his confidence in Colombian forward Jhon Duran to fill in for Watkins.
“He is young but he has big potential,” Emery said. He needs to get practise and minutes in matches. He was injured before when he was playing and getting better. Now he has recovered and is fit.
“Without Watkins tomorrow, he will have the opportunity to get minutes, to get confidence and to show his power and capacity.
“We have to try to support his qualities in our tactics. It is his moment.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola revealed that Nathan Ake has been ruled out of the game after coming off with an injury during the goalless draw with Arsenal at the weekend.
John Stones remains a doubt but may play some part, while Kyle Walker and Ederson remain on the treatment table.
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