Unai Emery has issued an injury update on his captain claiming he’s ‘progressively getting better’.
Aston Villa have issued a positive injury update on Hibs icon John McGinn as he nears his return to full fitness.
It was a heart-in-mouth moment for an entire nation when the Scotland International went hobbled off against Everton in the 17th minute during a Premier League clash in January, however after initial positive scan results and a strict recovery regime, McGinn’s Villa Park return is edging closer.
The Villans have struggled without their captain of late, having won just once in their last six Premier League matches as Unai Emery’s side revert back to the form they showed at the start of the season, where they failed to score in their opening four games. After a strong end to 2025, Villa were once regarded as title contenders, however their recent blip has kiboshed that.
As Steve Clarke and co prepare for Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years, it will come as a relief to the Tartan Army that McGinn will be back within plenty of time to feature against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in America. As an added bonus, the midfielder could also be available for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast later this month.
Emery issues positive McGinn update
Having just lost to bottom of the table Wolves in the West Midlands Derby, the Villa boss is looking to bounce back on Wednesday night against Chelsea at home. Ahead of the league clash, Emery explained he would like there to be more big personalities in the team and not just McGinn, while also issuing an update on his progress.
The Villa boss said: “We need other leaders. We need change to singing about ‘Super Aston Villa’! “John McGinn is very important, but he is not available tomorrow. He is progressively getting better. We have enough players to keep our consistency and performance. I believe, of course - even when we are not achieving it - in them.”
McGinn was told in January that he’d be out for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery. Villa are hoping to have him back for around March 15, when they face Manchester United in another top four clash. They also have a Europa League Round of 16 tie against Lille days later which McGinn could be back for, however naturally, it may take the 31-year old some time to regain his match sharpness.
McGinn recovery ‘going well’
McGinn told The Standard: “I’ve been trying to stay under the radar a bit, trying to get back fit as quickly as possible. The recovery is going well, surgery was pretty straightforward and it’s been good. I got my head around it quick. I’ve been fortunate in my career to not have many serious injuries so this one was easier to accept. It’s been tough to watch but I’m feeling ready to get back in and in good shape for that. I’m well on my way and hopefully be back before then (eight weeks), maybe another two or three weeks.”
After helping Hibs win their first Scottish Cup in 114 years, McGinn has went from Easter Road icon to Villa Park hero, where he is also adored by the fans. Villa’s recent form has proved just how influential their captain is on the the rest of the team as he reaches the home straight of his lengthy sideline.
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