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Ollie Watkins injury: Aston Villa issue update ahead of Tottenham FA Cup tie

Ruled out: Ollie Watkins (Action Images via Reuters)
Ruled out: Ollie Watkins (Action Images via Reuters)

Aston Villa will be without five first-team players for Sunday's visit of Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round, including star striker Ollie Watkins.

The striker was forced off during the loss at Wolves last weekend with a groin injury, and replaced by January signing Donyell Malen.

Malen could again deputise up front, or Marcus Rashford is available to make his debut, with manager Unai Emery confirming Watkins has been unable to train.

“We are going to work tomorrow, but at the beginning, we have out, not available for Sunday, Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, [Matty] Cash, Ross Barkley and Watkins," Emery told reporters.

“For [Watkins], each day is being important, how he is feeling, but for Sunday, I think he is not going to be available because today he didn’t train.

“Tomorrow, I think he is not going to train as well, because he will need more days to recover. Hopefully, for next week, he will be available.”

Villa welcome injury-raved Spurs to Villa Park on Sunday looking to beat them in a FA Cup tie for the first time since 1992.