Aston Villa learn John McGinn timeline as another midfielder suffers injury

The Scotland international is still being assessed by doctors to decide how best to proceed with the injury he sustained in a 1-0 defeat to Everton earlier this month.

But the most likely scenario is for McGinn to miss at least a month, ruling him out of several key matches as Villa chase success on three fronts.

Boss Unai Emery was already looking to recruit a midfielder during the final week of the transfer window, after Boubacar Kamara suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the month.

McGinn’s absence until at least the start of March will intensify those efforts.

Emery said: “McGinn is visiting some doctors. 

“Normally, he is going to be out some weeks and maybe even one or two months. But I want to wait for the doctor’s decision and final opinion on it.”

Another midfielder, Youri Tielemans, is being assessed for an ankle injury picked up in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle.

Tielemans’ injury was the only blot on an otherwise excellent day for Villa, who moved back level with second-placed Manchester City.

Emery also confirmed the club are hopeful of completing the signing of Tammy Abraham later this week.

The England international will return to Villa six-and-a-half years after helping them win promotion.

“Hopefully. I don’t know. Hopefully,” said Emery, when asked about Abraham. “He can help us if he is joining us. You know him better than me because he was here before.”