Ollie Watkins injury update: Should you pick him for FPL Gameweek 31?

If there's one player Aston Villa can ill-afford to be without during the run-in, it's Ollie Watkins.

The Villans have enjoyed a stellar season under Unai Emery despite their litany of injury absences. Emiliano Buendia hasn't kicked a ball this term, Tyrone Mings has managed only 31 minutes, while Boubacar Kamara succumbed to an ACL tear in February.

Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey are recent additions to the treatment table, and Emery will hope that Watkins won't be the latest to fall victim to the club's injury bug.

The England international is in Golden Boot contention having scored 16 Premier League goals, and FPL owners, of which there are many, have reaped the rewards. Here's the latest regarding Watkins' injury heading into Gameweek 31.

What injury does Ollie Watkins have?

They say that availability is the best ability, and Watkins has it in abundance. He hasn't missed a single Aston Villa game due to injury since he joined the club, but that record is under threat heading into Wednesday's game at the Etihad.

The English forward was withdrawn at half-time of Villa's eventual 2-0 victory over West Midlands rivals Wolves on Saturday with a hamstring injury. It is not considered a serious problem but is enough to keep him sidelined for the trip to Manchester City this week.

What has Unai Emery said about Ollie Watkins' injury?

The Villa boss provided a more concrete update in his press conference on Tuesday, having expressed some concern over Watkins' injury after Saturday's game. But he put Villa fans at ease.

"Ollie's injury is a small injury, with some days rest, maybe he could be available for the next match," Emery explained. Although that doesn't help FPL managers hoping for his involvement this week.

At best, Watkins could return to the Villa lineup for the visit of Brentford in Gameweek 32.

Ollie Watkins alternatives in FPL Gameweek 31

There's a full slate of midweek fixtures to enjoy as part of Gameweek 31, and many managers may have to turn to alternatives should Watkins miss Villa's trip to Man City.

Fortunately, given Watkins' price (second highest forward at £8.9m), there are plenty of options. If your focus is on maximising your points for Gameweek 31, you shouldn't look any further than Darwin Nunez (£7.6m) with Liverpool hosting bottom dwellers Sheffield United.

Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke (£7.2m) has also scored in back-to-back games, both at home, and the Cherries take on Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night.

Should Watkins miss an extended period, you might be tempted to introduce Jhon Duran, the Englishman's deputy at Villa Park, into your side on the cheap. The brutish forward has plenty of potential and is priced at a mere (£5.0m).

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