Credit: Imago

Alex Oakhill

Mon 26 January 2026 8:45, UK

Unai Emery’s job at Aston Villa has just got that much harder with John McGinn now set for a spell on the sidelines.

McGinn was absent from Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday after picking up an injury in the defeat to Everton the week before.

Emi Buendia opened the scoring for Unai Emery’s side, firing into the top corner from the edge of the area at St James’ Park.

Ollie Watkins added a second late on to make sure of the win and move Villa back within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Every game John McGinn will miss for Aston Villa

McGinn was forced off in the 18th minute of Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on 18 January, before undergoing tests last week to determine the extent of the knee injury.

It has now been revealed that the Scotland international is expected to miss up to six weeks.

The news means that McGinn could be unavailable until 8 March, with Villa having eight games scheduled between now and then, potentially nine if they reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Emery’s side face Salzburg in the Europa League on Thursday, before taking on Brentford, Bournemouth and Brighton in the Premier League across the space of 11 days.

The Midlands outfit then welcome Newcastle to Villa Park in the FA Cup Fourth Round, ahead of league fixtures against Leeds United, Wolves and Chelsea.

McGinn should return around the weekend of the FA Cup Fifth Round, and is expected to be available for the trip to Manchester United in the Premier League on 14 March.

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How will John McGinn’s absence affect Aston Villa?

McGinn is such a crucial part of this Aston Villa side, and he will be sorely missed over the next six weeks or so.

The 31-year-old had featured in every single Premier League game before his injury, and had been included in the starting lineup on all but one occasion.

McGinn has five top-flight goal contributions to his name this term, but it is his work behind the scenes that Villa will struggle without.

The Scot makes 3.2 recoveries per game in the Premier League, and does not stop running throughout the game.

Winning over three duels per game in total, and also attracting a foul on average per 90 minutes, he is a crucial cog in Emery’s midfield system.

Villa have the depth to cope with McGinn’s injury, but it will make them a substantially weaker side.

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