Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins is ‘100 per cent’ fit for Wolves clash

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is fit for Saturday’s clash with Wolves.

The England international came off in the second half of Villa’s Champions League debut against Young Boys with an ice pack on his ankle.

However, boss Unai Emery said Watkins would be “100 per cent” fit.

“He is 100 per cent fit to play,” Emery said at a pre-match press conference.

“He had some problems (minor inconveniences), like other players, but they were not significant.

“Of course, sometimes he stops because you have to protect the players. But now he’s 100 percent ready.

“He’ll be 100 percent ready to play tomorrow.”

Watkins has featured in every match this season but has often been replaced by Jhon Duran, who came off the bench and scored three goals.

Emery wants Duran to understand how he can play alongside the English striker.

“He is close to being in the starting line-up and needs to understand how he can play with Ollie Watkins, both in the starting line-up and sometimes on his own in different competitions,” said Emery.

“I am very happy with how he started the season and how he started the first training session we did with him in the summer. He was very focused to stay here.

“He has the commitment we need from every player. It’s good to see him playing, and he’s also playing more minutes. Every minute he spends with us helps us.”

Jaden Philogene remains sidelined, while Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are battling to return to action from long-term injury.