Aston Villa without key pair for Manchester City clash

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has said both Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey will be out of action against Manchester City.

The Midlands outfit head to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening as they look to keep their push for the top four on track.

However, they will have to take on Pep Guardiola's men without their top scorer Watkins and influential midfielder Ramsey which is a big blow.

Emery has provided this update on the pair's conditions, as per a report by BirminghamLive: "They will not be available for tomorrow. They have small injuries. Jacob Ramsey is not getting better like he wants. We are not in a hurry with him. For tomorrow he will not be available.

"With Ollie, it is more or less the same. Ollie’s injury is a small injury, with some days rest, maybe he could be available for the next match."

Watkins went off last time out as Aston Villa ran out 2-0 winners over rivals Wolves. The former Brentford man has sustained a hamstring injury and will be hoping to be back out on the pitch as soon as possible.

His goals have been crucial so far in this campaign and he is hoping to be part of England's squads for the Euros this summer. However, he faces competition from Ivan Toney.

As for Ramsey, he has been sidelined since with a foot injury for over a month now and Aston Villa aren't rushing him back in just yet as they wait for the right opportunity.