Latest news on Ollie Watkins injury: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery publishes update after scare

Ollie Watkins caused injury concerns on Thursday after he was forced off the pitch during Aston Villa's Europa League match against Ajax.

The striker attempted to clear a goal kick in the early stages of Villa's round of 16 second leg win over the Dutch giants, collided with the goalkeeper's trailing leg and both ended up on the ground.

Watkins immediately flagged down medical attention while holding his left knee. After a few minutes of assessment by the club's physiotherapists, the striker was able to leave the pitch and then begin a light jog.

To allow the striker to continue playing, Villa's medical staff heavily bandaged Watkins' knee and he seemed to have overcome the injury when he jumped highest to score the game's first goal with a header.

But the joy did not last long, as Watkins soon collapsed on the pitch and asked to be taken off the pitch.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Villa manager Unai Emery appeared to allay fears of a serious injury. Asked for an update, Emery said: “I don't know, unfortunately. Watkins could – could – be back on Sunday.”

Watkins was named in the England squad for the upcoming friendlies in March by Gareth Southgate on Thursday.