Unai Emery hinted Ollie Watkins refused to play in Aston Villa's 4-0 defeat to Brighton, with the striker's future at the club increasingly uncertain. The 30-year-old was absent from the squad for Sunday's match, in which Villa conceded all four goals inside the opening 31 minutes and later went down to 10 men.
Watkins absent as Villa suffer heavy loss
Watkins is pushing to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal before the transfer window closes. The club have agreed personal terms with the England international, although four bids have been rejected. Al-Hilal's most recent offer came in at £45million, and it is thought that £50m would be enough for Villa to accept.
Emery said that 'silence' was the best way to respond to questions regarding Watkins' future and whether he refused to be involved on Sunday.
Emery's response
"This question is for him," the Villa manager replied. "I can answer only with my silence. I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond. He can only explain his answer, I can't."
"The players here show their commitment and that is really fantastic. This is the way."
Watkins' absence left Emery without a recognised striker, with Brian Madjo having picked up an injury. Emiliano Buendia was used as a makeshift centre forward against Brighton.
Transfer window challenges
When asked about the situation, Emery added: "Two strikers are injured and another striker gives his answer."
"This problem [with the transfer market] we had every season and every season we overcame it. It's something we have to accept and always we reacted, especially the players."
"This is something hard for us every year but we are calm. With this result, it's more difficult to explain but calm, work, be positive and find solutions for the next week and after the transfer window."
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Emery made it clear that he didn't want to sell Watkins. "We have an issue with him, it's clear," he admitted. "He is our player. We have had offers for him, I don't want to sell him but it can change because if it's a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving."
