Moussa Diaby back in Villa squad but remains a doubt for Wolves, says Emery

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that France international Moussa Diaby remains a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 24-year-old, who switched Bayer Leverkusen for Birmingham in a club record £55 million deal last summer, has established himself as a prominent member of Emery’s starting XI.

Diaby’s acquisition marked a major coup for the Villans, and the Frenchman has lived up to expectations, bagging two goals and three assists in seven Premier League outings.

His goal contributions include an assist in last weekend’s thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion, with Emery’s side running out 6-1 winners at Villa Park.

However, Diaby failed to emerge from the historic contest unscathed as he picked up a knock in the 79th minute, with Colombian striker Jhon Duran stepping in as a replacement.

Emery has confirmed that Diaby has rejoined the rest of the Villa squad in first-team training, but whether or not he will play a part against Wolves remains to be seen.

“Moussa Diaby and Kamara are both going to work tomorrow with the team, and in case they will feel good, could be [in the team], but not 100 percent,” Emery said (via Birmingham Live).

Villa’s top scorer Ollie Watkins was also a topic of conversation during Emery’s pre-match press conference.

The striker earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad yesterday, while Villa have announced a new long-term deal for the Englishman.

Emery had nothing but high praise for the 27-year-old who has been in fine form for the Villans this season, bagging seven goals and three assists in 12 games.

“Ollie Watkins is always ready to work and to give the team what they need,” Emery added. 

“Individually as well, when he is doing his work, scoring goals, defensively the first press, it’s very important for us. 

“When he is not scoring, when he is not being brilliant, he is doing his work. For me and his teammates, it’s always positive.”

On Watkins’ England call-up, the manager said: “He is happy, but he is calm when they were calling him. Now, I think really for him and for us it’s important.”