John McGinn
AVL
LW (RW)
One-v-One Creator
Oct 18, 1994 (31)
Left
5'10"
150 lb
VillaStarts in Super Cup final
McGinn is in the starting XI for Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: McGinn's summer took a scare on August 4 when he landed awkwardly on his left knee during Aston Villa's pre-season friendly against BG Pathum United, an injury mechanism that initially raised fears of ligament damage. Scan results and the updates in the days that followed pointed to a lucky escape rather than anything serious, and he was back in training ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. His inclusion in the starting XI now confirms he came through that recovery fully fit, a significant boost for Villa given his role as the talisman of their midfield, especially with Youri Tielemans having left the club. He was a key contributor last season, finishing with five goals and four assists in 30 Premier League appearances in 2025-26, and added a goal in three games for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.
Trains at Bodymoor Heath
McGinn (knee) trained at Bodymoor Heath Tuesday morning after missing Friday's friendly against Bayern Munich due to injury, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: McGinn is expected to be fit for the start of the Premier League season but remains questionable for Wednesday's Super Cup final against PSG. His return to training is another encouraging step in his recovery, and his availability is significant given his role as the talisman of Aston Villa's midfield. McGinn scored five goals and delivered four assists in 30 Premier League appearances in 2025/26 before scoring once in three games for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.
Expected to be fit for season
McGinn (knee) is expected to be fit for the start of the Premier League season and is questionable for Wednesday's Super Cup final against PSG, according to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.
Analysis: McGinn was already known to have avoided a serious injury and continues to trend in a positive direction, as the midfielder is now likely to be fit for the start of the season. However, he has not yet been cleared for the Super Cup final, leaving some questions about what exactly the injury is. He is the talisman of their midfield, so his return for the season is huge news, likely to always start when fit.
Avoids serious injury
McGinn has avoided a serious injury after the knee problem he suffered against BG Pathum, though the club will continue to monitor his condition following further tests, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: McGinn was forced off in the second half after landing awkwardly on his left knee and underwent a scan, with the club understood to be optimistic based on the results. His health is especially important given Villa is already without Amadou Onana for most of the season after his ACL injury at the World Cup, and the club continues working the transfer market to bolster its midfield and defensive options as it finalizes its squad ahead of the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Forced off with knee problem
McGinn was forced off with a knee injury after landing awkwardly on his left knee during the preseason friendly against BG Pathum, John Townley of Brimingham Live reports.
Analysis: McGinn was forced off after being fouled in midfield and landing awkwardly on his left knee, and although he looked ready to return to the pitch, head coach Unai Emery waved him off and substituted him instead. He is now set to undergo tests to determine the severity of the issue. Given how important he was to Aston Villa last season, having scored 10 goals and added six assists across the Premier League and Europa League, the club will be hoping he is available for the season opener, though that will ultimately depend on what the assessment shows.
Reports back for preseason
McGinn returned for preseason training at Bodymoor Heath on Monday, according to the club.
Analysis: McGinn enjoyed an extended summer break after representing Scotland at the World Cup before resuming preparations for the 2026-27 campaign this week. The midfielder was a dependable, energetic presence for Villa last season, contributing five goals and four assists across 30 appearances under coach Unai Emery, with his running and set-piece involvement keeping him a regular fixture in the side. His return marks the start of his individual buildup ahead of the new campaign. McGinn is expected to resume his role as an undisputed starter in Villa's lineup once fully reintegrated into full training.
Four completed crosses in loss
McGinn had five crosses (four accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-0 loss against Brazil.
Analysis: McGinn continued his run of playing more than 80 minutes in each of the three games in the group stage. While Scotland still have the opportunity to progress as a best third-placed team, McGinn scored Scotland's only goal of the group stage with the goal in the 1-0 win against Haiti. He has created a chance in each of the three group stage games. McGinn has also taken at least one corner in each of these games also.
Solid in loss to Morocco
McGinn generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Friday's 1-0 loss versus Morocco.
Analysis: McGinn was once again Scotland's strongest player on the attack, but that doesn't say a whole lot considering the team didn't manage a single shot on target. The Moroccan defense was clearly most concerned with McGinn, trying everything to not let him get crosses or shots away cleanly. McGinn finished the match with one chance created, one accurate cross and one off-target shot, a modest output that doesn't quite reflect the impact he had on the match. He was subbed off for striker Ross Stewart in the 89th minute. He will need to be at his best in Wednesday's final group stage match versus Brazil, a match that Scotland need a positive result out of to guarantee a spot in the knockouts.
Scores goal to seal World Cup win
McGinn scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Haiti.
Analysis: McGinn scored the only goal of the game, which sealed victory for Scotland in their opening World Cup game against Haiti. He scored 28 minutes in to put his nation 1-0 ahead, and it ended up being the only goal. After a cross by Ben Gannon Doak was cleared by the keeper as Che Adams chased it in. The ball fell to McGinn on the edge of the box, and he was able to find the back of the net. His leadership in the top half of the pitch was crucial as Scotland tried to control the game after his goal. He took two shots and attempted three crosses, as well as taking two of Scotland's three corners.
Set for big playmaking role
McGinn should be one of the most important players for Scotland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: McGinn was a key player for Aston Villa in the 2025/26 season, tallying 10 goals and six assists between the UEFA Europa League and the Premier League while filling in a number of roles in midfield. He should form a dynamic playmaking duo next to Scott McTominay in the World Cup, with his fantasy floor being considerably high due to his role in set-piece situations.
Earns assist in final
McGinn assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 84th minute.
Analysis: McGinn had his moment of glory Wednesday as Villa captured a UEL trophy, earning an assist on Emiliano Buendia's first-half goal. This continues a run of goal contributions for the midfielder, now with one in their past three games, with three during the span. He ends playing a solid role in their UEL triumph, earning five goals and two assists in 12 appearances (eight starts) this campaign.
Nets in rout
McGinn scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Friday's 4-2 victory over Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 66th minute.
Analysis: McGinn got in on the goalscoring fun during Friday's rout of Liverpool. The midfielder was excellent throughout and got his reward on his only shot on goal. It was a stellar individual showing by the midfielder, as well as a well-rounded team dismantling of the reigning champions. McGinn has two huge matches left to play to round out the campaign.
Assists Sunday
McGinn assisted once to go with four shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Burnley.
Analysis: McGinn assisted Ross Barkley's header in the 42nd minute, a goal which tied the match at 1-1 heading into halftime. It was one of four chances McGinn created in the match and he also recorded four shots and five crosses. He was subbed off in the 85th minute for Leon Bailey after a productive performance.
Starting vs. Forest
McGinn (hamstring) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League semifinal against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: As expected, McGinn is back in the mix after not playing against the Spurs over the weekend. The playmaker will slot on the right wing in a 4-2-3-1 setting, so he should be heavily involved in the attacking build-up.
Trains normally, should return
McGinn (hamstring) resumed team training Wednesday and should be an option for Thursday's Europa League semifinal return leg against Nottingham Forest, according to Dan Salisbury-Jones of ITV Central.
Analysis: McGinn had been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Tottenham as a precaution after not feeling 100 percent, but his presence on the training pitch is an encouraging sign that he is on track to be available for one of the biggest nights of Aston Villa's season. Villa will assess the captain over the coming hours before making their final squad decisions ahead of Thursday's return leg.
Out with injury
McGinn is out for Sunday's match against Tottenham due to an injury, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: McGinn is not with his teammates Sunday as they face the Spurs, with the midfielder left behind due to an injury. Not much more on his status has been given at this time, leaving the severity of the injury up in the air. He is replaced by Jadon Sancho in the starting XI as the club and fans hold their breath, needing their key attacking midfielder as they try to secure a UCL spot and win the Europa League, set to take the field again Thursday.
Assists opener in 4-3 win
McGinn assisted once to go with five crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 4-3 win versus Sunderland.
Analysis: McGinn assisted Ollie Watkins to score in the opening few minutes. The game went on to finish 4-3 in the final moments. This was his third assist of the season, and he also assisted in the crucial Europa League win in the last match. He created four chances in the game, which was his second time creating four chances this season.
Nets one
McGinn scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 victory versus West Ham United.
Analysis: McGinn netted one goal with two key passes and and a shot on target during the win over West Ham. He made two starts in a row since returning from injury, scoring with a shot on target, three key passes and a successful dribble in that span, returning back to fitness after missing the previous seven PL games.
Scores goal against Lille
McGinn has now started two straight matches since returning from injury and scored once in Thursday's Europa League win over Lille as he continues to build fitness for Aston Villa, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley from Birmingham Live. "He needs minutes. He's getting fit again and he will be very important. Today he played progressively getting better. The first half he was recovering confidence. The second half, he scored a goal which is very good for him to feel better."
Analysis: McGinn missed roughly two months with a knee injury but is back in the mix and has now started two straight games since returning. The Villans captain looked sharp and found the net in Thursday's Europa League win over the Dogues, showing he is quickly regaining match fitness while stepping right back into his clear-cut starter and leadership role at Aston Villa. He will now aim to steady a side that managed just two wins in 10 games across all competitions during his absence.
Plays 13 minutes Thursday
McGinn delivered one accurate cross during 13 minutes as a substitute in his return from a knee injury Thursday against Lille.
Analysis: McGinn bounced back after almost two months on the sidelines, giving his team a major midfield boost. Now that he's fully healthy, he could have a reasonable chance of starting in league play, potentially taking Jadon Sancho's place on the right wing. McGinn took a few set pieces early in the season, so he may be reliable for playmaking output.
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