Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 26 March 2026 17:10, UK

Aston Villa are remaining wary of the fitness of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans during the international break.

The midfield duo have missed many months of the season and their influence was certainly missed by Unai Emery’s side.

Form dropped off at Villa Park and has since picked back up since the skipper returned to action, and it certainly isn’t a coincidence.

Tielemans joined his captain in B6 by making his long-awaited return in the 2-0 win against West Ham last time out.

The 28-year-old and McGinn have now departed for the international break, leaving the Villans to seek an arrangement with their respective nations.

Aston Villa to set game time agreements for international duty

The importance of both midfielders can’t be mistaken, especially with Boubacar Kamara also missing due to his own injury concern.

Having both of them back against the Hammers certainly helped boost the mood in the Midlands en route to a straightforward win.

That will only add to Villa’s worries as McGinn and Tielemans link up with Scotland and Belgium, respectively.

The idea of them picking up further fitness worries is a worst-case scenario, and now ex-Villa scout Bryan King has mooted an arrangement over reduced minutes during the international break.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “These two players are important for Villa.

“I would imagine Villa will be telling their countries that they’ve played on Sunday and need some rest after just getting over an injury.

“I would say they play in either the first or second game for 60 minutes maximum.

“Tielemans and McGinn are essential for Aston Villa just as they are for their nations in the World Cup.

“To keep them fit will be the most important thing for everyone.

“Common sense needs to be used with two players coming back from big injuries.

“They have to tread carefully, and I imagine both national teams will be working in conjunction with Villa on this.”

McGinn continues to shine for Villa, and Tielemans is bound to hit the ground running, so some sort of agreement needs to be reached.

Who are John McGinn and Youri Tielemans facing on international break?

The good news for the Villans is that both Scotland and Belgium have both already qualified for the World Cup.

Neither will be playing in qualification semi-finals during this break, as two friendlies lie ahead of both sides between now and the end of the month.

The Tartan Army have clashes with Japan and Ivory Coast in the pipeline, while the Red Devils will face America and Mexico.

It may prove more difficult for Tielemans on his return from North America due to jet lag, but McGinn shouldn’t face the same issue.

Neither player can afford to play too much and get injured while away with their nation, so there will be hopes of smart plans from Villa.