Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins(Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Unai Emery has been asked about leaving Ollie Watkins out of the starting XI for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Tottenham.

The striker returned to Bodymoor Heath earlier this week with an injury after colliding with the post in England’s 3–0 win over Wales.

Watkins, however, trained ahead of the game against Spurs, and Emery said in his pre-match press conference that he would be available for selection.

But as it turns out, Watkins is only fit enough to start on the bench, with Donyell Malen leading the line instead.

Emery was asked about the selection call in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports.

“I don’t respond to this question as it’s private,” Emery replied. “He was getting better but arrived unfit to play the match.”

Evann Guessand has replaced Watkins in the line-up and will operate from the right-hand side.

Amadou Onana also comes into the team, replacing Lamare Bogarde.

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