Arsenal could face Ollie Watkins at Villa Park next Monday after the Aston Villa striker reportedly returned to training and apologised to teammates following his absence against Brighton.
Watkins missed Villa’s opening Premier League fixture on Sunday as uncertainty continued over a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Unai Emery’s side subsequently suffered a 4-0 defeat, with their attacking problems exposed after being left without a recognised striker.
However, The Athletic reports that Watkins has now returned to training and apologised to his teammates, potentially changing the picture before Arsenal’s visit on Monday, 31 August.
His involvement remains unconfirmed, but the development marks a significant change from earlier concerns that Watkins could miss the Arsenal match.
Ollie Watkins return could change Arsenal preparations
Villa were forced to deploy Emiliano Buendía in an unfamiliar attacking role against Brighton, with fellow forwards Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo unavailable.
Emery offered little clarity when questioned about Watkins after the defeat.
“This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence,” the Villa manager said, as reported by The Guardian.
Watkins returning would give Villa a considerably more established attacking option against Arsenal.
The England international has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for the club, with Stats Perform reporting that only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals since the beginning of the 2020/21 season.
However, his return to training does not necessarily resolve uncertainty surrounding his future, with Al Hilal continuing their pursuit.
The Saudi club are also involved in separate transfer talks concerning Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Aston Villa still without João Gomes against Arsenal
While Watkins’ situation has shifted, Villa remain without midfielder João Gomes after his red card against Brighton.
Gomes was dismissed for kicking out at Georginio Rutter and will therefore miss Arsenal’s visit through suspension.
Madjo is also expected to remain unavailable, while Abraham’s return date remains unclear.
The fixture could additionally see Ezri Konsa face his former teammates following his recent move from Villa to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta will also monitor his own squad before the trip, with Arsenal assessing Bruno Guimaraes, William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday, 31 August.
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