Unai Emery has delivered a significant injury update concerning Aston Villa captain John McGinn, indicating the influential midfielder could be absent for a considerable period. The Villa boss also confirmed that goalkeeper Emi Martinez will not feature in the upcoming Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce, compounding the club's mounting fitness concerns.
John McGinn's Knee Injury Assessed
McGinn was forced to leave the pitch in the 18th minute during Aston Villa's Premier League encounter with Everton last Sunday. The Scottish international appeared to be in discomfort, applying pressure to his knee before signalling for medical assistance. He was subsequently replaced by Evann Guessand, who has recently returned from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking ahead of Villa's crucial European match in Turkey, Emery provided a cautious prognosis. "We are still waiting because he is still visiting some doctors to have a decision what to do," the manager explained. "It could be some weeks. It depends on the doctor and for him how he feels." This suggests a definitive timeline for McGinn's return remains uncertain pending further specialist consultation.
Further Absences for Villa Squad
The injury news extends beyond the captain. Emery confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who has been managing a calf issue, has not travelled with the squad for the Fenerbahce clash. This comes despite the Argentine's recent return to action against Everton.
In a further major blow, midfielder Boubacar Kamara is anticipated to miss the remainder of the campaign due to his injury. The squad is also currently without the services of Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley, who are sidelined with their own respective problems. This cluster of absences presents a significant challenge for Emery as he navigates a busy fixture schedule.
Europa League Milestone for Emery
Despite the injury setbacks, Villa travel to face Fenerbahce seeking their sixth victory in the competition's league phase this season. Their campaign has included wins against Bologna, Feyenoord, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Young Boys, and Basel, with a solitary defeat coming against Go Ahead Eagles.
The match in Istanbul will mark a personal milestone for Unai Emery, representing his 100th game as a manager in the Europa League. This achievement makes him the first coach to reach that landmark in the competition's history, with Jorge Jesus the nearest active manager on 68 matches.
