Aston Villa suffer big blow as John McGinn injury timeframe set

Don Goodman accepts being without John McGinn is a "big blow", but has backed Aston Villa to cope in his absence thanks to the other midfielders they have.

Unai Emery confirmed at the weekend that captain McGinn will not be available for "a few weeks" [The Athletic, 21 September] after sustaining an injury against Wolves.

The hamstring problem therefore looks set to rule the Scotland international out of games with Bayern Munich, Ipswich Town and Manchester United.

Even if that is the case, Goodman believes Unai Emery's men can still get by with what they have available.

"It's a big blow," Goodman told Villa News. "He's an old style, combative leader - there aren't that many around any more.

"All that said, the way Youri Tielemans has started the season and the alternatives they have means that, though he will be a big miss, Aston Villa will be able to cover him for however long he's out."

John McGinn will leave void to be filled at Aston Villa

McGinn has played as big a part as anyone in what has been an incredible period in Villa's history under Emery.

The Scotsman has been a true leader in the middle of the park and those qualities will be missed as much as anything.

McGinn has started all five Premier League games this season, as well as the Champions League meeting with Young Boys, only highlighting his importance to Emery.

As Goodman points out, though, others are capable of stepping up for these next few games.

That is credit to Emery more than anything, and it is now down to the others to show what they can do.

In other Aston Villa news, Goodman has held his hands up over comments previously made about a Villa gem.

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