Why did Ollie Watkins miss Brighton vs Aston Villa Premier League 2026-27 match?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Emiliano Buendia played as the Villa striker tonight.
Aston Villa travelled to the American Express Stadium on Sunday, August 23, to face Brighton & Hove Albion in a Matchday 1 fixture in the English Premier League 2026-27 season. Looking to get a winning start to their league campaign, Unai Emery named a strong squad, but two key names were missing from the starting XI and the substitutes’ bench.
Striker Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez were not in the matchday squad for the Brighton game. Instead, Emery fielded Emiliano Buendia, normally a midfielder, in the striker’s position. Young George Hemmings played on the left wing, with captain John McGinn starting on the right. Ross Barkley played in the No. 10 role.
Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamare started in a two-man midfield. Behind him were Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres, joined by Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash as full-backs. Marco Bizot started between the sticks for Aston Villa.
Also Read: Brighton vs Aston Villa: Full lineups confirmed for Premier League 2026-27 match
Why is Ollie Watkins not playing?
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Ollie Watkins has been strongly linked with an exit from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. Initially a target for Manchester United and Arsenal, Watkins looks like he is destined for the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal has been credited with interest in the England international, with Emery confirming that the club had received offers for him. As a result, Ollie Watkins is not in the matchday squad for the Brighton game.
“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,” the head coach said in the pre-match press conference. “He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.”
The head coach also confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has made it clear that he wants to leave the club and seek a fresh challenge. The Argentine almost sealed a move to Juventus, which fell through at the last minute.
“He (Martinez) transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career,” Emery said. “…This year again, he transmitted (to) us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign (Zion) Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving.”
Until his future is sorted out, Martinez seems destined to be out of the Aston Villa matchday squad.
Why did Ollie Watkins not play vs Brighton?
Ollie Watkins was absent because he is strongly linked with a summer transfer exit.
Why did Emiliano Martinez not play vs Brighton?
Martinez missed the game because he has made clear he wants a new challenge.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.