Watkins set to be fit for Villa at Tottenham

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is expected to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur after sustaining a knee contact injury while playing for England last week, manager Unai Emery said on Friday. Watkins was substituted at halftime of England’s friendly against Wales after colliding with the post and was later withdrawn from the squad ahead of a World Cup qualifier, returning to Villa for assessment and treatment.

England’s manager described the incident as a painful one after what had been a positive night for Watkins, who scored in the friendly before the collision. The manager said the striker had been unable to train with the national team and was sent back to his club for further evaluation. Emery said Watkins trained through the week and voiced confidence that the 29 year old would be available for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, adding that the squad would be assessed again at Saturday’s session.

Watkins’s fitness will be pivotal for Villa, who have struggled for goals this season. The forward has scored once in the league campaign so far, a return well below his usual output since joining the club. Villa have nevertheless picked up...