Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, gave a cryptic response to questions about striker, Ollie Watkins’ absence from his team’s squad for their Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Watkins didn’t travel to the Amex as Brighton thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 on Sunday.

The England international only returned from his post-World Cup summer break a few days ago. He is also subject of transfer interest from Al Hilal.

Watkins is keen to join Al Hilal in this summer’s transfer window and the Saudi Arabian club have seen at least one bid rejected by Aston Villa.

Speaking at his post-match interview, Emery was asked why Watkins was not part of the Aston Villa squad.

“This question is for him,” Emery responded.

“Can you call him and ask him a question?

“So it was not your decision, it was his decision?

“Ask him. I can only answer it by silence,” he said.