Unai Emery does the unthinkable and leaves shock player out of matchday squad vs Lille, and fans think its personal

Unai Emery does the unthinkable and leaves shock player out of matchday squad vs Lille, and fans think its personal

In a jaw-dropping call that has sent shockwaves through Villa Park, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has sensationally left club talisman Ollie Watkins out of the entire matchday squad for Thursday’s Europa League round-of-16 first leg against Lille.

The England international, who has netted 16 goals this season despite a recent dip in form, was not even named among the substitutes as Emery opted for a radical overhaul at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Tammy Abraham, the January signing from Roma, is set to lead the line in what many are calling a high-stakes gamble amid Villa’s domestic slump.Emery, known for his ruthless tactical rotations, cited “team needs” and Watkins’ “recent discomfort” in post-training briefings. But supporters are not buying it.

Social media erupted within minutes of the squad announcement, with thousands accusing the Spaniard of a personal grudge. “Watkins has carried this club for years and Emery benches him completely? Smells personal,” tweeted one furious fan. Others pointed to Watkins’ public frustration after earlier European omissions and speculated the manager favours Abraham’s physicality over the local hero’s flair.

Villa fans flooded X with hashtags #FreeWatkins and #EmeryOut, arguing the decision risks fracturing squad harmony at a critical juncture. The Villans have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, and a strong European showing is vital to salvage the season. Emery’s bold move echoes his PSG-era rotations, but critics insist dropping the club’s record-breaking striker feels vindictive rather than strategic.

Whether Abraham delivers or Watkins watches helplessly from home remains to be seen. For now, the unthinkable has happened — and Villa’s faithful are convinced it’s anything but football.