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There are concerns over Ollie Watkins following Aston Villa’s 3-2 win away at RB Leipzig.
Watkins was taken off at half time on Tuesday night due to a small injury, Unai Emery has admitted.
The England international was replaced at the interval by the ever explosive Jhon Duran, who ended up scoring within just eight minutes of entering the field. It was a beautiful goal, too, as the Colombian struck from 30 yards and beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi with power and swerve.
Villa would have wanted the substitution to happen organically, however, with Duran perhaps coming on for Watkins at the hour mark as he usually does. It’s certainly not ideal that there’s now a potential injury worry for Watkins, especially as we’re heading into the busy festive fixture schedule.
Explaining his substitutions after the win in Leipzig, Emery said: "The idea when we prepare the game the plan is also for the subs to help if we needed it. Watkins had a small injury and Duran scores. Buendia and Barkley scoring the third goal. This is what any coach would want.
Ollie Watkins was taken off against RB Leipzig with a 'small injury'.Ollie Watkins was taken off against RB Leipzig with a 'small injury'.
Ollie Watkins was taken off against RB Leipzig with a 'small injury'. | Getty Images
"Sometimes he [Duran] is very impatient and we have to try and keep balanced with him. He scored a great goal and he works and we are trying to get the team strong with a tactical approach. His potential is massive. Tactically he is improving and today he played a fantastic 45 minutes."
Watkins will undergo tests today to determine the extent of his injury. If there are any doubts, Duran will most likely start in his place away at Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
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