The Hibs hero suffered a knee injury for Aston Villa against Everton last month in the English Premier League.
John McGinn has reassured the Tartan Army he’ll be back well in time for the 2026 World Cup as he nears his return from injury.
It was a heart-in-mouth moment for an entire nation when the midfielder hobbled off for Aston Villa against Everton in the 17th minute, with McGinn even admitting himself that the first thing he thought about was the summer. However after a ‘positive’ scan result as well as putting himself through a strict recovery regime, he is now on course to be back in action next month.
In a bizarre turn of events, McGinn actually believes his lengthy sideline could benefit his form for the National Team, as he the injury has given him a break from playing for a Villa side that are simultaneously going for their highest ever Premier League finish, as well as competing in the Europa League. Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club podcast, he also spoke about the excellent form of his brother and fellow former Hibee, Paul McGinn, who is helping Motherwell defy the odds at the top end of the Premiership table.
‘I’m in good nick and prepared to come back’ - McGinn
When asked by host Darrell Currie if he’ll be okay for the summer, McGinn responded: “Aye, to be honest when I went down it was one of the first things I thought about. I’ve been lucky enough in my career not to have too many knee injuries, but I felt it right away and I thought ‘aw naw, this can’t be serious’ so as I was walking round the pitch I knew I couldn’t carry on.
“But then thankfully when I got the scan results it was pretty positive, saying a maximum of eight weeks and that will be four weeks tomorrow since the operation, so I’m well on my way and I’ll hopefully be back before then, maybe another two or three weeks.
“I like to think I’m a hard worker but sometimes if I can cut a corner, I’ll cut a corner, so I took advantage of that during Covid when I was injured but the physios couldn’t actually treat you. But I promised myself this time I’ll do all of the rehab properly and I’m feeling in good nick and more prepared than ever to come back.”
Villa rest could benefit Scotland
McGinn was then asked by Michael Stewart if he thought his two month Villa sideline could actually benefit him for the World Cup. The former Hibee responded: “Yes, I think so. I think in the last Euros I was probably a burnt out. It certainly helps when the schedule is so busy to try and get a reset.”
The Scotland International has been impressed by the form of his brother at club level and has been keeping a keen eye on Motherwell’s performances this season when possible. He continued: “It’s amazing what the manager has done, he’s came on his own and I was worried if he’s going to take to Paul or not, is he going to change things up?
“But it’s clear to see they’re so well coached and Paul’s getting better and better. He’s got more grey hairs right enough! I actually think he talks himself down so often and therefore probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I said to him at the weekend there when the game was done against St Mirren, the manager took him and Elijah Just off, showing just how important he thinks he is.”
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