Aston Villa have several internationals jetting off to all corners of the world over the next couple of weeks.
With a congested fixture list in store when the Premier League returns, Unai Emery will be desperate for his squad to return fit and in the same condition they departed the West Midlands.
Emi Martinez is set to travel the most distance, over 12,000 miles, as Argentina face El Salvador and Costa Rica in the United States.
Elsewhere, Douglas Luiz and Youri Tielemans face England for Brazil and Belgium, respectively.
There is also Villa representation in the Three Lions squad, with Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa looking to give Gareth Southgate food for thought ahead of the European Championships in the summer.
And, before Saturday’s fixture against Brazil, Watkins could be in line to make a start.
Ollie Watkins could start after Harry Kane injury twist
The Daily Mail reports that Harry Kane missed England training on Wednesday ahead of the fixture at Wembley.
Kane, 30, has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win over Darmstadt on Saturday.
The news could open the door for Watkins, who has had to play second fiddle throughout his international career. Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka also missed out on Tuesday.
Konsa, 26, will be eager to stake a claim ahead of the Euros in the summer. John Stones’ defensive partner is far from clear-cut. Harry Maguire, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, and Jarrad Branthwaite will all be vying for a spot in Southgate’s backline.
Could Ollie Watkins and Harry Kane play together?
Confining Watkins to the bench feels like such a waste, and for most nations, a 16-goal striker would almost certainly start.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to look past Kane. He’s arguably the best striker on the planet and won’t be replaced.
The only option would be to play Kane and Watkins together in a front two, something Alan Shearer has alluded to. In his latest column for The Athletic, he wrote: “Ollie Watkins has been sensational this season. He and Harry Kane have never shared a pitch for England, but what if they did?”
“Play Ollie Watkins in the No 9 role. Kane can drop back into the No 10 space, which we all know is a natural part of his game and one where he has been so key in creating for England, Tottenham and Bayern Munich. Bellingham would take up a deeper midfield position alongside Rice. Foden and Saka still cut in from out wide.”
It’s an excellent idea, but even the most ardent Aston Villa fans will accept Watkins will have to make do with a place on the bench.
Deploying a front two will see one of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Bukayo Saka sacrificed; it’s simply not going to happen.
