John McGinn Opens Up on Real World Cup Fear After Aston Villa Return
Aston Villa skipper John McGinn has candidly shared his fears of missing the World Cup following a knee injury earlier this year, as he makes a triumphant return to the pitch. The midfielder suffered the setback during Villa's clash with Everton in January, sparking a difficult period for Unai Emery's side, who managed just one win in seven games without their captain.
Injury Sparks Personal and Team Struggles
In McGinn's absence, Villa's form plummeted, causing them to slip out of the Premier League title race. However, for the 31-year-old, the concern extended beyond the current season. In an honest interview with BBC Scotland ahead of a friendly match against the Ivory Coast, McGinn admitted he was "scared" that the injury might prevent him from participating in the World Cup.
Scotland recently ended a 28-year wait to qualify for the World Cup, making McGinn's potential absence even more distressing. He recalled the moment of injury, stating, "I remember right away feeling, oh this isn't right. It was 10, 15 minutes into the game, I blocked a pass against Everton and I knew right away, so my hand goes up." McGinn expressed initial panic, fearing a serious knee injury that could sideline him for six months or more.
Recovery and Relief
Thankfully, scans revealed only a minor knee injury, with a recovery time of six to eight weeks. McGinn managed to return in six weeks, but not without challenges. He noted, "As the days went on, it started to swell more and there was more fluid in the knee. As much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery." Emphasizing the importance of self-care as he ages, McGinn added, "As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body. I'm 31 now, so to do anything crazy would be wild."
Villa's Resurgence and Champions League Hopes
Since McGinn's return, Aston Villa's form has significantly improved. The team secured progression in the Europa League and is now in contention for Champions League qualification next season. McGinn credits the squad's resilience, highlighting their ability to compete against financially stronger clubs. He explained, "We just missed out on goal difference last season for the Champions League with a bit of a dodgy decision at Old Trafford. But we were so close and it hurt, so we are using the hurt from last season to drive us on."
Reflecting on the competitive landscape, McGinn added, "What we're competing against are massive institutions, powerful clubs who can spend whatever they like. We are obviously a massive club in our own right, but for us to continuously compete at that level is huge credit to all of us involved at the club." This determination underscores Villa's ambitions as they aim for top-tier European football.
