John McGinn Picks Up Another Hamstring Injury
Aston Villa’s captain, John McGinn, suffered a hamstring injury in the 19th minute of the club’s Premier League game against Leicester City at Villa Park.
The injury raises concerns for McGinn, who suffered a similar setback earlier this season. The midfielder picked up a hamstring issue during Villa’s match against Wolves, which sidelined him for a couple of league fixtures and the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The Scottish international returned as a late substitute in Villa’s 3-1 win against Fulham, after almost four weeks out.
Now, destined to miss Villa’s FA Cup game and perhaps a couple of league games at least, he is also in a race against time to regain fitness for Villa’s potentially crucial Champions League match against Celtic on January 29th.
The tie against Celtic would have certainly have been in McGinn’s diary, given his Scottish roots and the occasion of facing a club he would have undoubtedly relished playing against. However, Villa boss Unai Emery’s initial assessment suggests the captain’s availability for that fixture is touch and go.
Unai Emery’s Initial Assessment of Injury
“I think it could be hamstring. He could be out for two, three, four, five weeks,” said Emery when asked about McGinn’s condition. The diagnosis will most certainly rule McGinn out of Villa’s upcoming trip to Monaco, a vital fixture in their European campaign.
Despite his versatility and consistent appearances this season, McGinn’s role in Villa’s first XI has often been fluid. With 16 league starts, two substitute appearances, and three assists to his name, he has proven to be a key player for Emery’s side. Yet, his position on the pitch has varied from wide midfield roles on either flank to operating as a central number 10 behind the striker.
If Villa have one strength this season, it’s in his favoured central midfield role with the likes of Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara in the box seats there.
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McGinn’s Swiss Army Knife Quality This Season
McGinn’s adaptability and leadership have been invaluable to Villa though, but even with him wearing the captain’s armband, his exact function on the pitch can resemble a Swiss Army knife – filling gaps wherever needed. Interestingly, when McGinn came off against Leicester, the team seemed to find better balance with Jacob Ramsey providing a more natural left-sided presence.
While Villa will miss his versatility in the short-term, the main concern will be the absence of heart and character he brings to a team, that sometimes lacks it.
With the Champions League about to start-up again, it’s hoped McGinn can recover swiftly and return to leading the team on the pitch. For now, Emery will hope that his midfield and forward players begin to up their levels to compensate for the absence of his captain.
UTV
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