Emery on Sancho's recovery, Champions League and Watkins
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (kick-off 14:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Emery says Jadon Sancho is progressing in his recovery from injury and they will assess the winger this weekend, meanwhile Alysson is back in training with the group. There are others who need to be assessed before a decision is made.
The Villans still have two routes available to qualify for the Champions League and Emery was asked about the importance of securing a place in the competition: "The Premier League is the first priority we have each year, but playing in Europe gives us a lot of possibilities to develop as a club and getting prestige for us. It is amazing for the supporters too, how we enjoyed it in Bologna with the huge atmosphere. " He defended Ollie Watkins - who scored twice last time out against Bologna -after a season where some have criticised his numbers: "He worked yesterday like he has all season; maybe he needs others to get the numbers.
I am happy with him, because he has been consistent in doing his task. " Youri Tielemans returned to action against Bologna and Emery spoke highly of the midfielder: "When he is available, he is performing like he did last year. So, so consistent and intelligent.
His team-mates feel confident playing with him and he gets his responsibility strongly. " He added that the club will need to assess how Tielemans recovers before deciding how many minutes he can play on Sunday. On Sunday's opponents: "For different circumstances, they are not getting the points they deserve but they are the same team and the same players, they are only changing their coaches.
Pereira is a very good coach who has a lot of experience. A lot of things make us respectful for the match on Sunday. " Listen to full match commentary of Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Villa?