London, Oct 13 (NationPress) Ollie Watkins has returned to Aston Villa after not being able to recover from an injury he sustained during England’s 3-0 friendly victory over Wales last week, which has ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday.

Watkins, who scored the opening goal at Wembley on Thursday, was substituted at halftime following a severe collision with the goalpost. England announced his withdrawal in a statement on Monday, indicating: “The Aston Villa striker has not sufficiently recovered from the blow sustained against Wales at Wembley on Thursday evening and has returned to his club.”

This situation is particularly disappointing for the 28-year-old forward, who had shown great promise during the first half before his untimely exit. He became the second player to depart Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the qualifier, after defender Jarell Quansah returned to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, “as a precautionary measure” after the Wales match, where he remained an unused substitute.

Tuchel, who had given Watkins a starting position against Craig Bellamy’s Wales, praised his squad's attacking prowess after goals from Watkins, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka ensured a comfortable victory. Unfortunately, the Aston Villa striker’s evening concluded prematurely following the collision with the goalpost, requiring treatment on the pitch and leading to his replacement by Marcus Rashford at the beginning of the second half.

While Tuchel initially characterized Watkins as “OK” following the match, England’s medical team decided against risking him for the forthcoming trip to Riga. Watkins’ absence may open the door for captain Harry Kane’s return, considering the Bayern Munich forward missed the Wales game due to a painful injury incurred during club duties.

A win against Latvia would secure England’s place at next year’s World Cup, providing Tuchel's side a commanding seven-point lead over second-placed Albania in Group K with just two matches remaining.

Furthermore, Watkins’ injury poses a concern for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as they prepare for their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (October 19). It remains uncertain whether the striker will be fit for that encounter.