- Unai Emery has given an update on the injuries of John McGinn and Amadou Onana ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest
- Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on Thursday
- Aston Villa currently trail by one-goal
Aston Villa have received a major boost ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, with captain John McGinn available for the high-stakes clash. However, Amadou Onana has been ruled out.
McGinn missed Villa’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Sunday due to a tight hamstring. It was more of a precautionary measure to ensure he was fit for the second leg with Forest. Now having trained for the last two days, he will be available for the fixture.
In his pre-match press conference, Unai Emery provided an update.
“He trained normally today, and if it doesn’t change, he will be available tomorrow.”
This is a huge boost for Villa, as the importance of the Scot in the team cannot be understated. He leads by example and brings energy that they lack without him.
To have their leader in such a vital game will increase their chances of overturning the one-goal deficit from the first leg, and punch their ticket to the final.
Amadou Onana update
However, there is a negative heading into the match, and that is the injury to Amadou Onana. The Belgian has been ruled out of tomorrow’s fixture with the calf issue he sustained in the first leg.
It was a separate injury to the one that kept him out of the Fulham game, and has currently not been given a timeline for his return.
This will be a big miss for the Villans, given the physicality Onana offers, and the performance he displayed up until his withdrawal in the match last week.
Who will replace him?
With Ross Barkley not included in Villa’s Europa Leagued squad, Lamare Bogarde and Douglas Luiz are the only alternatives.
Bogarde has been favoured in the last two games, but has struggled both in possession and defensively. Given the likelihood of Emery’s side having the majority of the ball, Luiz may be the preferred option, although he himself hasn’t performed well.
If Villa are to succeed in beating Forest, then whoever his replacement is, will have to step up in order to win the midfield battle that is so vital.
Ultimately, Villa faces a defining moment in their season against Forest. While McGinn’s availability provides crucial leadership and energy, filling the midfield void left by Onana remains Emery’s primary challenge. The outcome hinges on whether his team has the fight, energy and mentality to overcome the one-goal deficit.
Villa now have the captain back to drive the occasion, yet they will still need the right balance in the middle of the pitch if they are to turn the tie around. Against a Forest side full of confidence, this is shaping up to be a night where leadership, control and composure could decide everything.
