Aston Villa face a number of absences ahead of this weekend's game against Watford at Vicarage Road, with several key players expected to miss the match.

Last season's top scorer Ollie Watkins is unlikely to play, with a thigh issue picked up in a friendly against Salernitanain at the weekend threatening to keep him out.

Manager Dean Smith is expected to provide an update on the striker's condition before the match.

One player who certainly will not be included in Smith's team on Saturday is new signing Leon Bailey, who the Birmingham Mail report is due to complete a period of isolation in the coming days before joining up with his new teammates.

Also expected to miss the season opener is Emi Buendia, who was signed for a club record transfer fee from Norwich City this summer.

The Argentine has missed back-to-back pre-season games due to a hip issue picked up in the days after Villa's defeat at Stoke on July 24.

Morgan Sanson, Bertrand Traore, Trezegue and Douglas Luiz are all also on Villa's list of unavailable players ahead of this weekend's Graham Taylor matchday at the Vic.

Nevertheless, Villa will still have plenty of talent on show, with new signing Danny Ings expected to start following his move from Southampton.

Also expected to play is former Watford man Ashley Young, who could have joined the Hornets this summer, but instead opted for a move to Villa.

Watford Observer:

Dialogue took place between Young and the club where he made his first professional appearance, but in the end, he chose to return to the midlands side whom he joined after leaving Watford.