McGinn’s Back, but Cash’s Out
Cash Blow
Aston Villa will be without Matty Cash for Thursday’s Europa League last 16 first leg against Lille, with the right back ruled out by the calf injury sustained in last week’s 4-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
The timing carries a particular irony, as it was Cash who scored the late equaliser in Lille two seasons ago that rescued Villa’s Conference League quarter-final, forcing extra time before Villa progressed on penalties. He will watch Thursday’s first leg from home, and now faces a race against time to be fit for Villa’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Captain’s Return
The better news coming from Unai Emery’s pre-match press conference, was the Villa manager confirming John McGinn is not only back in the squad but ready to start if required.
“He’s here,” Emery confirmed. “It’s important, but every player is important. 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.”
McGinn has been absent since picking up a knee injury in the 1-0 home defeat to Everton on January 18th, subsequently undergoing minor surgery. His return, a week or so ahead of schedule, gives Emery a genuine selection decision for a fixture that carries significant weight both in European and league terms, with the Champions League qualification race tightening by the week.
In terms of McGinn, will Emery simply use the Lille game to give him some minutes off the bench to get him ready for Manchester United?
Right-back Andres Garcia also returns to the squad following his latest hamstring issue, though a starting role in France appears unlikely at this stage.
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