Scotland face anxious wait over John McGinn injury as Aston Villa boss unsure how long ex Hibs man will be out
Unai Emery has provided an update on skipper John McGinn after suffering a knee injury during Villa’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton
Scotland boss Steve Clarke is awaiting news on the severity of former Hibs star John McGinn’s ‘concerning’ knee injury sustained during Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat at home to Everton on Sunday.
The skipper was forced off after 17 minutes at Villa Park following an innocuous looking injury but there was immediate concern shown by his team mates as he went to ground holding his knee.
McGinn called for medical assistance but was eventually able to walk gingerly around the pitch before going straight down the tunnel to be assessed by Villa’s medical staff.
And boss Unai Emery didn’t seem optimistic when he was quizzed on the injury blow in his post-match press conference. Instead, he attempted to skim over the topic.
Responding to a question about whether McGinn’s injury was a cause for concern, a coy Emery said: “Of course when some players are getting injured, it’s not good. But it’s football and we have to accept it and then there are opportunities for other players to play.”
Pushed further to confirm if he had been given any further details on the nature of the injury, Emery bluntly replied: “I don’t know, it’s his knee.”
McGinn’s injury is the latest in a growing list of midfield problems for the Midlands club, who are already without Ross Barkley, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana for the foreseeable future.
It also leaves national team boss Clarke sweating over his fitness with just under five months before Scotland make their long-awaited return to a World Cup finals.
If McGinn is facing an extended period on the sidelines, it would be a significant blow for the Scots in the lead up to this summer’s major tournament in North America,
The 31-year-old helped his country earn qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 as group winners following a dramatic last-gasp 3-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in November.
How John McGinn reacted to securing World Cup qualification
Summing up his emotions after ending the nation’s 28-year wait for a return to the biggest stage in international football, McGinn said: “To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer’s team talk was exceptional.
“Denmark looked more assured but we’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team and a lot of hits. To finally get over the line was such a special feeling.
“It was absolutely horrible. You think that’s it, glorious failure, another blow. I was thinking about the playoffs in the 92st minute. What a hit from KT (Kieran Tierney) - I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again.”
McGinn’s contribution to Scotland leaves Steve Clarke ‘indebted’ to midfielder
Clarke previously admitted McGinn's contribution to Scotland has left him 'indebted' the midfielder. Speaking ahead of McGinn earning his 50th cap against the Republic of Ireland back in September 2022, Clarke said: “You've just got to look at his contributions, his goalscoring record and assists.
“He can play different midfield positions, and brings his own bubbly, bright personality into the group. He's a key member of the squad on and off the pitch, and I think he enjoys it when I push him a little bit further forward to have the chance to make those goals and assists.
“It works well for us, it has worked well for us, and I'm indebted to John for a lot of the good wins we've had because he's got the goals or the assists. Hopefully he can keep it going, and get to 100 caps, and get a few more goals and assists along the way.”