Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League and Unai Emery has been handed a fitness boost ahead of the clash.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has been handed an injury boost ahead of the trip to Manchester United this weekend(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has confirmed John McGinn could return to the matchday squad for the trip to Manchester United on Sunday. McGinn picked up a knee injury during the 1-0 defeat to Everton in January. The midfielder had featured in every Villa Premier League fixture this season before picking up the knock.
Ahead of their clash with Lille in the Europa League round of 16 first leg tonight, Emery confirmed McGinn was back in full training and in contention to play. "He's here [in Lille]. It's important but every player is important," the Villa head coach said. "Maybe as a captain, as well, he is adding something more, and he is coming back.
"We are happy, and try to recover his rhythm as soon as possible. But tomorrow, he is here, and he can play even in the beginning, or after."
Emery will be delighted to see McGinn back, given his side's form without the captain. Villa have won just twice in the Premier League while McGinn has been absent.
As for United, they will be hoping some of their injured players return after an extended break between games. Mason Mount has been missing with a knock since the start of February but is believed to be ahead of Matthijs de Ligt in his recovery.
De Ligt has been battling with a back complaint since the victory at Crystal Palace last year. Lisandro Martinez has been dealing with a calf issue and has yet to return to full training. Patrick Dorgu is also sidelined.
But there was some good news for United this week. Noussair Mazraoui picked up a knock against Newcastle last time out but he took part in training on Wednesday and should be fit to feature against Villa.
United will move three points clear of their opponents with a win on Sunday.
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