Is Aston Villa’s triple injury boost coming too late after title hopes fade?

Aston Villa are set for an injury boost at Bournemouth, though doubts remain over whether it can reignite fading title hopes.

Villa travel to the south coast with the potential return of three first-team players, including leading scorer Ollie Watkins, as Unai Emery looks to steady momentum after a damaging defeat last weekend.

Will Ollie Watkins play at Bournemouth?

Watkins was a notable absentee from Villa’s 1-0 home defeat to Brentford, having suffered a hamstring issue in the midweek Champions League win over RB Salzburg.

Midfielder Amadou Onana was also unavailable, despite being named on the bench, with Emery later confirming the Belgian was dealing with muscle stiffness.

Both players have since returned to full training and are expected to travel with the squad, according to reports, placing them back in contention for Saturday’s fixture.

Watkins remains Villa’s first-choice striker, but Emery may be reluctant to risk him immediately given the unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries, particularly with the schedule beginning to tighten.

With Douglas Luiz impressing and competition in midfield strong, Emery must decide whether to reintroduce Onana from the start or ease him back into action.

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Another option edging closer

Villa could also hand a debut to January signing Alysson, who has been working his way back to full fitness since completing his move from Grêmio earlier this window.

The 19-year-old did not arrive in England match-ready after the Brazilian season ended, prompting Villa to manage his integration carefully rather than rush him into action. 

His early weeks at the club have focused on conditioning and adapting to the Premier League's physical demands.

Alysson has now stepped up his involvement in first-team training and was part of Emery’s most recent sessions, putting him in contention for inclusion against Bournemouth.

While a start would be unlikely, the winger offers pace and directness out wide if Villa look to freshen their attacking options from the bench.

If not used this weekend, Alysson is expected to feature soon, with matches against Brighton and an FA Cup tie with Newcastle providing further opportunities for his introduction.

Villa’s recent defeat has left them playing catch-up in the title race, with dropped points beginning to blunt the momentum built earlier in the season.

While the return of key players strengthens Emery’s options, the focus now may be less about chasing the summit and more about consolidating a Champions League place.

Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth will test whether Villa’s returning depth changes anything tangible, or simply arrives after the damage has already been done.

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