Ollie Watkins suffered an injury scare during England’s game against Wales on Thursday night. Watkins, 29, was asked to lead the line in place of captain Harry Kane at Wembley Stadium during the Three Lions’ friendly and was given the chance to impress Thomas Tuchel. In his 20th cap, he immediately stood out by scoring his second goal as Tuchel’s side closed in on a three-goal lead within 20 minutes.
Aston Villa’s center forward had another chance to score towards the end of the first half when he found himself with an open net in front of him. However, Watkins missed his mark and the ball somehow went wide of the post from Elliott Anderson’s cross. Things got worse when Watkins collided with the goal post shortly after missing from close range, and the top of his shin appeared to have taken the impact of the collision.
The game was stopped while Watkins received treatment, as manager Declan Rice urged a physiotherapist to come and treat his team-mate. Rice and Anthony Gordon, captains for the night, both looked worried as Watkins lay on the turf.
The striker lay on the pitch holding his knees and screaming in agony, but was able to continue playing despite the impact. Watkins was ultimately sent off at half-time and was replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Commenting on the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, Stephen Warnock said: “Olly Watkins looks like he’s in some serious pain but he should score at the back post. I was really worried when he clattered against the post. He seems to be treading cautiously.”
Before adding: “Watkins can’t run, he’s struggling to shake off the injury. Marcus Rashford is being put on pace next to the technical area.”
Unai Emery and Aston Villa will be keen that Watkins does not face redundancy. He is the Villans’ first-choice number nine and has played the full 90 minutes in five of their seven Premier League games so far this season.
Villa have only won two of those games, but their next game after a week’s international break is away to third-placed Tottenham on Sunday (October 19).
