Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard was coy yesterday about the situation of Ollie Watkins.

He, was asked about Watkins' absence from the matchday squad for their Premier League clash against his former side Brentford.

And when asked by the Sky Sports reporter whether it was down to injury or illness, Gerrard gave a wry smile and paused for a moment before answering.

He said: "I'm not sure I'm in a position to give you the details on it, but we have got a mixture of covid and injury problems at the moment."

Gerrard's reluctance to explain the truth behind Watkins' absence suggests there might be something more to it than just injury or illness.

But the former Liverpool captain then went on to say that Watkins "should be back for the next game," suggesting he will not quit Villa Park before their FA Cup tie with Manchester United on 10 January.

Watkins has been linked with a move to Arsenal for a number of months and is reportedly seen as a long-term replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, says The Sun.