Unai Emery has given a coy and cryptic response regarding Ollie Watkins' absence from Aston Villa's squad in their Premier League defeat to Brighton. The striker did not travel to the Amex due to transfer interest from Al Hilal. Watkins is keen on moving to Saudi Arabia and Al Hilal has seen at least one bid rejected.

Villa do not want to sell Watkins but talks between the clubs continue. Watkins returned from his post-World Cup summer break in the week before the game, but, when asked to explain whether his absence was due to physical or transfer-related reasons, Emery said: "Ask him. I only can answer it by silence." That followed a pre-match interview, where Emery was asked about Watkins and, after a long pause, simply said: "Silence".

Post-match, Emery made reference to the "commitment" of his other players, despite Villa losing 4-0 and having Joao Gomes sent off in the first half at Brighton.