Unai Emery told the media to call Ollie Watkins' agent to ask why the striker was left out of Aston Villa's squad against Brighton.

Watkins was a notable absentee as Villa lost 4-0 at the Amex Stadium in their opening Premier League game of the season.

The England international is the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, who have reportedly had a big-money bid for Watkins turned down.

Villa are keen to keep Watkins, having already seen Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa leave this summer.

"This question is for him," said Emery when asked why Watkins did not feature against Brighton.

"I can answer only with my silence."

The Boss reflects on today's result against Brighton. pic.twitter.com/AeinLc3078

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 23, 2026

Asked if Watkins had refused to play, Emery added: "I think you can call him and you can call his agent and he can respond.

"He [Watkins] can only explain his answer. I can't."

Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 and has scored 108 goals in 278 games for the club in all competitions.

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, only Mohamed Salah (118) and Erling Haaland (112) have scored more Premier League goals than Watkins (91).

No other Villa player has scored more than 21 top-flight goals in the same time.