Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has hinted that star striker Ollie Watkins' involvement in Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest is hanging in the balance.
After Villa’s captivating win in the Champions League beating RB Leipzig, Watkins, who was subbed out at the half-time for Jhon Duran – the latter netting a goal shortly thereafter – could be a critical game-time call.
Emery said: "We trained yesterday but it was a recovery day and some players as well rested. Today we are going to try to train and to know how we are after four matches in a few days.
"Tomorrow is going to be as well a very difficult match and we have to try to play with the best players we have or with the best players who are, more or less, full in everything – energy, fitness, good rest.
"This afternoon is the key for how we can go tomorrow."
When pressed about Watkins specifically, Emery's response was guarded: "I don’t know because we are waiting.
"Yesterday he was recovering and this afternoon we are going to train. In case he is training normally and he is feeling good, he’s going to be available for tomorrow. If (he’s) not, not."
The face-off between both clubs, who sit neck-and-neck with 25 points each, promises to be a thrilling encounter as Villa just edge Forest on goal difference.
An impressive run this season has seen Forest earn seven league victories, including an outstanding win at Old Trafford last weekend - their first since 1994 - and Emery praised their opponents: "Forest of course are always a respected team for us.
"They’re now a rival because they are with the same points we have, they are doing an amazing job, an amazing season."
Emery expects a challenge, recognising Forest's strong identity under Nuno: "Last season we played in different circumstances and lost there. I know how much difficulties we are going to face tomorrow. They have Nuno and he was their coach when we played here at Villa Park.
"But now I think I can see Nottingham Forest with his face and his identity. He’s always very competitive, Nuno. As a coach, I played against him in Spain and in my experiences before in the Premier League against Wolverhampton when I was in Arsenal."
Emery recounted tough past encounters with Nuno's teams: "Always the matches we played were very difficult for us – we lost against Wolverhampton in that moment.
"His experience is very important, even in Europe. Wolverhampton in the Europa League because they finished seventh in the league and got to a quarter-final against Sevilla."
"I am telling that because I am watching something like that here with Nottingham. He’s got a very competitive team and he is now being a rival for the team. We are more or less trying to fight in the table to be in the top European position.
"Tomorrow they are our opponent, our rival and a very difficult team we’re going to face. I’m excited, motivated and I respect them a lot."