Several Aston Villa fans have expressed their frustrations as John McGinn has come off for the club after picking up an early injury.
The Villans host Southampton at Villa Park in what is a huge game for both clubs, as they look to move up the table and away from the relegation zone.
McGinn, who has started every game for Aston Villa in the Premier League this season, was an instrumental player in Dean Smith’s promotion campaign in the Championship last season, winning both the club’s Player’s Player of the Year award and the Supporter’s Player of the Year award.
Despite starting well this season, McGinn’s influence has waned in recent weeks, with many fans having called for him to dropped from the side to recover a little bit of energy.
However, Smith has not dropped the Scotland international, and he has now been made to pay the price as the former Hibernian man has been forced off through an ankle issue, being replaced by Marvelous Nakamba.
Reacting on social media, a number of Aston Villa fans vented their frustrations at a situation that could have potentially have been avoided.
Twitter: @AVFCOfficial @jmcginn7 Everybody said: GIVE HIM A REST!!!! (@avfcvali)
Twitter: @AVFCOfficial @jmcginn7 If this is in any way related to his fitness/underlying injury, especially after what happe… https://t.co/rY2TkeeMPH (@RoflProcter)
Twitter: @AVFCOfficial @jmcginn7 well you just knew that was gonna happen! (@joeyUTV)
Twitter: @AVFCOfficial That looked very, very bad. Ugh. (@everysongsung)
Twitter: @AVFCOfficial @jmcginn7 Every one been saying he needs a rest hope injury isn’t serious we need him back fit and raring to go quickly. (@PaulDar59616002)
Read Aston Villa Verdict
It is never great to lose a key player under such circumstance as a bad injury, but as someone pointed out online, it could potentially turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
McGinn’s injury, presuming it isn’t too serious and the lay-off isn’t too long, would give Smith the opportunity to experiment with his other options while also leaving McGinn to rest.
He could then come back fit, firing and ready to impress in the future, so long as the injury isn’t too serious that is.
