John McGinn has picked up a long-term injury- but it isn’t because of Aston Villa manager Dean Smith according to the crucial Scotland midfielder.
The battler has picked up a fractured ankle following an incident in a 3-1 defeat to Southampton. His ankle seemed to get caught in the turf and McGinn was taken off shortly afterwards.
McGinn’s crocked. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
His fracture has been confirmed by the club but some have pointed the finger at Smith. McGinn’s injury has come just recently after he confirmed his midfielder had been playing through the pain barrier after a thigh strain.
McGinn insists though that had nothing to do with it. He told the Daily Record (page 37, 24/12/19): “I’m sure every player has played with a niggle at some point.
“If I felt like I was unable to help the team I wouldn’t have played.”
Bad injury at a bad time
It’s not ideal for anyone this injury. It leaves Aston Villa without one of their main midfielders as they fight for Premier League survival. They currently sit 18th in the Premier League.
Smith’s side are struggling. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
For Scotland, McGinn’s injury has left the national team sweating. He’ll be out of action for at least a couple of months, which puts his place in Steve Clarke’s plans for the Euro 2020 play-offs in doubt.
McGinn personally will be gutted with this knock. He’s had such a strong season so far. For his momentum to be halted so suddenly is a blow.
Rest assured though, the midfielder will be back with a bang once he gets over this knock.