Another Aston Villa injury update before West Ham amid concerns for Ollie Watkins and Diego Carlos.
Unai Emery has confirmed Diego Carlos picked up a hamstring injury during Aston Villa’s 4-0 victory over Ajax on Thursday night. The Brazilian centre-back was substituted in the 74th minute of the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie after going down in some discomfort.
“Diego Carlos is very important for us because we are sometimes playing with two or three centre backs. We are always with four but sometimes we have one playing wide a little bit in the build-up as a three,” Emery continued.
Carlos wasn’t the only player forced off through injury against Ajax as Ollie Watkins feared fans by exiting the field in the first half. The England international collided with the visitors’ goalkeeper, Diant Ramaj, and was left clutching his left knee.
Watkins carried on briefly following treatment – and he netted the opening goal – but he had to go off shortly after. Emery has since confirmed the striker’s injury was merely a cut, though, providing some welcome relief for all concerned.
“We don’t know exactly. He could be available for Sunday, but it is only a cut. We will wait and see tomorrow and Saturday,” Emery said regarding Watkins