Ahmed Elmohamady: John McGinn return could be crucial for Aston Villa survival

McGinn was just weeks away from returning from a broken ankle before the postponement of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the Egyptian international believes the potential of having McGinn available for the run-in will be a huge boost to the club.

"We went through a tough period before the season stopped," said Elmohamady.

"This break would allow the likes of John McGinn, who is a key player for us, get back to full fitness and help us for the final 10 games.

"I do believe we can come back fresh and that this break was needed for us.

"We do have a strong team spirit in the team. It's something that has always been here and is created from the manager, staff and senior players downwards."

Danny Drinkwater was brought in during the January transfer window to help with the loss of McGinn

However, his stay has proved far from ideal as he at first struggled for fitness and game time before reports emerged of a training ground bust-up.

Villa had lost five games on the trot before football was suspended and had just been on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat at Leicester.

Dean Smith's men currently sit two points from Premier League safety, with a game in hand.