Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has issued a positive injury update ahead of games against Chelsea and Manchester United.
McGinn sustained a knee injury during Villa’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton in mid-January, subsequently missing the last eight games in all competitions.
The Scotland international underwent surgery last month and the timeframe regarding a return to action was a maximum of eight weeks.
However, McGinn has revealed that he hopes to make a comeback ahead of schedule to boost Villa’s hopes of Champions League qualification.
He said: “I’ve been trying to stay under the radar a bit, trying to get back fit as quickly as possible. The recovery is going well, surgery was pretty straightforward and it’s been good.
“I got my head around it quick. I’ve been fortunate in my career to not have many serious injuries so this one was easier to accept.
“It’s been tough to watch but I’m feeling ready to get back in and in good shape for that.
“I’m well on my way and hopefully be back before then (eight weeks), maybe another two or three weeks.
“I feel in good nick. I’m more prepared than ever to come back.
“To be honest I’ve been able to get my head around it better because Youri Tielemans got injured the week after me, which was a more serious injury, and Boubacar Kamara was out for the season as well so if I moan in the physio’s room the two of them - not in English - tell me to shut up.”
If McGinn remains sidelined for another two or three weeks, he will certainly miss Villa’s home game against Chelsea on March 4.
Villa’s trip to Old Trafford on March 15 falls in between their Europa League last 16 tie, so McGinn can perhaps target the second leg on March 19 for a return to action.
