Aston Villa are confident John McGinn has avoided a serious injury after the captain suffered a worrying knee problem during Tuesday’s pre-season win over BG Pathum United.
McGinn was forced off after being fouled and landing awkwardly on his left knee in Thailand. He initially tried to continue before Unai Emery immediately instructed him to leave the pitch.
The incident created concern ahead of Friday’s meeting with Bayern Munich, but the first indications following further assessment are encouraging.
According to Birmingham Live’s fresh John McGinn injury update, Villa are confident the Scotland international has avoided a serious problem.
John McGinn injury news gives Aston Villa relief
That represents a considerable improvement on the uncertainty immediately after the incident.
ReadAstonVilla reported when McGinn suffered the injury on Tuesday that the midfielder walked from the pitch without assistance and had wanted to play on. Emery nevertheless refused to take any unnecessary chances with his captain.
Villa had not provided a diagnosis or recovery timeframe at that stage.
There is still no confirmed date for McGinn’s return, so it would be premature to assume he will feature against Bayern. With the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain following next Wednesday, Emery has little reason to gamble on the 31-year-old’s fitness during a friendly.
McGinn’s availability remains particularly important after a summer of change in midfield. His experience and tactical flexibility allow Emery to use him centrally or from a wider starting position, while his leadership carries added value in a squad containing several new and younger players.
The priority will therefore be ensuring the problem settles fully rather than rushing him back.
Villa will want further positive signs before making a decision over Bayern, but confidence that McGinn has escaped a serious knee injury is exactly the news Emery needed after an uncomfortable moment in Thailand.
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