Aston Villa handed injury boost for Manchester United trip after new update | OneFootball

A welcome sight for Aston Villa ahead of facing Manchester United on Sunday

Aston Villa have been handed a massive injury boost after John McGinn returned to action ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash against Manchester United.

McGinn sustained a knee injury during Villa’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton in mid-January. He underwent surgery soon after and was scheduled to miss up to eight weeks of action.

Subsequently, the Scotland international ended up missing ten games in a row across all competitions, including the 4-1 defeat at the hands of fellow top-four hopefuls Chelsea.

The 31-year-old will now be targeting a return to Premier League action at Old Trafford as Villa look to steady the ship after a recent wobble which has seen them win just twice in their last nine league games.

McGinn’s availability in particular is great news for Villa amid a midfield crisis as both Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans are currently sidelined through injury.

“It’s important, but every player is important,” Unai Emery said of McGinn in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Back in action: John McGinn

AFP via Getty Images

“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.”

Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game just after the hour mark in France, meaning Emery’s side will take a one-goal lead into the second leg against Lille at Villa Park next week.