Emery confirms huge Aston Villa injury boost | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been handed a huge injury boost with the return of captain John McGinn ahead of their Europa League last 16 tie.

The Scotland international has been sidelined for almost two months after sustaining a knee injury back in January. However, the midfielder was involved in team training earlier today and has now travelled with Emery’s side to France as they prepare to take on Lille.

“As a captain he adds something more,” said Emery. “We’re happy that he’s coming back – we need to recover him in the rhythm as soon as possible. Tomorrow he’s here and he can play even at the beginning or after that.”

Villa have struggled in McGinn’s absence, winning just one of their last seven in all competitions. Their poor form has seen their advantage diminished in the race for Champions League football. Manchester United have leapfrogged them in the Premier League table, ahead of a meeting between the two at Old Trafford this Sunday.

Despite the positive update on McGinn, there was also bad news from Emery. Villa’s boss confirmed that defender Matty Cash has not travelled with the team. The Poland international was forced off with a calf injury during their defeat to Chelsea.

Emery admitted: “We are in a bad moment – the worst moment. We must react by working hard. Through that we can recover our confidence.

“If we cannot recover it, maybe it is in trouble to achieve our objective.

“This bad moment means we must react and the only way I know is to find solutions and work more.”

The Spanish coach continued: “There is still time to work and build again our structure as strong as possible and feel confidence, individually and collectively there.

“We need to compete in the Premier League and Europa League.”