Aston Villa manager Unai Emery may be forced to start Ollie Watkins in the opening Premier League game at Brighton after Tammy Abraham picked up an injury in the final pre-season match. The 2-1 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday saw Abraham limp off after slipping awkwardly, leaving Villa short of attacking options. With Brian Madjo also sidelined until at least September, Watkins appears the only fit senior striker available.
Abraham injury compounds Villa's striker crisis
Abraham, signed in January, was substituted early in the second half after receiving treatment on the pitch. He was replaced by Brad Burrowes and was seen limping down the tunnel. The injury adds to Villa's concerns, as Madjo is already out until September. With both strikers unavailable, Emery may have little choice but to hand Watkins his first start of the season, despite the England international having not featured in pre-season.
Watkins was given four weeks off after his World Cup exploits with England, where he was named in the squad but made no impact. He is due to report back to Bodymoor Heath at the start of next week, along with Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez. Emery may have planned to ease Watkins back gradually, but the injury to Abraham could accelerate his return.
Alysson's promising pre-season continues
While much of the pre-season praise has gone to Madjo, Joao Gomes, Luka Lynch, and George Hemmings, winger Alysson has also shown encouraging signs. The Brazilian struggled with fitness last season and missed part of this pre-season due to a niggle, but he has impressed in recent appearances.
Against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Cup, Alysson came off the bench and beat Nuno Mendes, widely considered one of the best left-backs in the world, with ease. He created several big chances for teammates late on as Villa searched for an equaliser. Against Monchengladbach, he had a limited impact but showed more promising moments, committing his marker and drawing fouls with his direct running.
Villa's coaching staff are enthused by his potential, with one analyst in the press box even applauding his skill when he won a foul after beating two Gladbach players. However, there is still work to be done on his game, and he remains a developing talent.
Transfer business still to be done
Despite the end of on-pitch preparations, Villa still have significant transfer work ahead. The futures of Martinez, Konsa, and Watkins have been the subject of speculation, with Arsenal reportedly interested in Konsa. Even before any potential outgoings, Villa need to strengthen the squad.
Evann Guessand has left on loan, and Leon Bailey has options elsewhere, which would free up squad space and wage budget. Matteo Ruggeri is expected to be confirmed as Villa's fourth signing of the summer, while a new right-back and cover for the injured Amadou Onana are also on the radar. Given Alysson's development, a right winger remains a priority, with Villa's previous interest in Endrick highlighting their intent.
