Tottenham receive unexpected boost as Aston Villa sweat over fresh injury worry

Tottenham Hotspur will look to secure consecutive Premier League victories after their hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Leeds United just before the international break.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, are chasing a third straight league win after a slow start to the campaign that saw them earn only three points from their first five matches.

However, Unai Emery’s side could be handed a setback ahead of their trip to North London, as striker Ollie Watkins is dealing with a knock sustained in a collision with the goalpost while trying to meet a cross.

According to The Athletic, Watkins has withdrawn from the England squad due to the injury and has returned to Villa for further assessment. The 29-year-old picked up the knock during England’s 3-0 victory over Wales on Thursday and was taken off just before half-time despite having scored earlier in the game.

After the match, Watkins assured reporters that he was “fine,” though he was seen limping through the mixed zone and appeared in some discomfort. Having netted twice in his last four outings for club and country, his potential absence would be a major blow for Villa ahead of Sunday’s clash.

While Emery keeps a close eye on his striker’s condition, Tottenham have received positive news of their own, with Randal Kolo Muani stepping up his recovery from a dead leg. The French forward, who has played only 13 minutes since joining Spurs, featured for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Watford as he continues to build match fitness.

Thomas Frank will hope Muani has fully shaken off the issue that has kept him sidelined for the past month, with his return offering Spurs a timely boost in attack ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.