Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has returned to first-team training and apologised to his teammates after missing Sunday’s damaging 4-0 defeat against Brighton.
The Athletic reports that Watkins trained with Unai Emery’s squad on Monday and addressed the players following his unexplained absence from the Premier League opener.
The development changes the immediate picture before Arsenal visit Villa Park, although it does not automatically end the uncertainty surrounding the England international’s future.
Ollie Watkins returns to Aston Villa training
Watkins was omitted from the squad at Brighton while Villa remained in talks over his future following approaches from Al-Hilal. Emery subsequently told Watkins to explain his own absence rather than providing a reason himself.
The Villa head coach declined to confirm whether the striker had refused to play. According to The Guardian, Emery directed questions towards Watkins and his representative after the final whistle.
Monday’s apology is therefore the first clear indication of an attempt to repair the situation internally. Watkins returning to group training also means he can prepare for the Arsenal game unless there is another change in his status.
Villa badly missed a recognised centre-forward at Brighton. Their player ratings reflected an attacking performance which produced only 0.31 expected goals and no shots on target.
Arsenal return becomes realistic for Ollie Watkins
Watkins now has a full week to train before Aston Villa face Arsenal on Monday 31 August. If he remains at the club and completes the week without further disruption, he would be the strongest candidate to lead Emery’s attack.
Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo could also return to training, according to Emery’s latest injury update, but neither striker has yet been confirmed available.
The wider transfer issue remains unresolved. Watkins has reportedly rejected Villa’s offer of a new four-year contract, while Al-Hilal retain an interest in signing him before the transfer window closes.
Emery previously told Reuters that he did not want to sell Watkins, although that position could change if a suitable outcome was available to the player and club.
The apology does not guarantee that Watkins will stay at Villa Park, but it represents a significant change before Arsenal. A player who was unavailable on Sunday has now become a realistic option for Villa’s first home game of the season.
