Aston Villa sweat on key man's fitness after England decision
Ollie Watkins has returned to Villa for assessment after being withdrawn from the England squad due to injury.
The striker has not recovered from the knock he sustained when colliding with the post during Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales.
Watkins was taken off at half-time and despite telling reporters he would “be fine” after the match, he is still experiencing discomfort and will not travel with the rest of the Three Lions squad for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
The 29-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for Villa’s next Premier League match, away at Tottenham on Sunday.
Watkins started Thursday’s match in place of injured Three Lions skipper Harry Kane and duly scored his sixth international goal as England hit three inside the first 20 minutes at Wembley.
But he then collided with the post after missing a glorious chance to add his second of the night.
England boss Thomas Tuchel said afterwards that the Aston Villa forward was "OK" but the injury was "very painful".
Tuchel also claimed to be “convinced” Kane would be recovered in time to face Latvia. England will qualify for the World Cup with two matches to spare if they win in Riga.
Watkins’ goal was just his second of the season after a difficult start with Villa.
The club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League has netted just once in seven top flight matches so far.
