McGinn faces weeks out injured but Villa legend thinks Emery has ideal solution

Aston Villa's 3-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers was bittersweet, as Scottish midfielder John McGinn suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out of action for several weeks. With a crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich looming, manager Unai Emery faces a significant challenge in finding a suitable replacement for the influential 29-year-old.

McGinn has been a vital component of Aston Villa's midfield, boasting impressive statistics that rank him among the top European leagues' best. He sits in the 84th percentile for non-penalty goals, 76th for assists, and 92nd for progressive carries, highlighting his all-round contribution to the team. Emery confirmed the extent of McGinn's injury in a post-match interview, stating:

"It's his hamstring. In January against Tottenham, he had a hamstring injury as well. He will not be available, I think, for a few weeks."

Ross Barkley: A potential solution

As Villa searches for a solution to fill the void left by McGinn, summer signing Ross Barkley has emerged as a potential candidate. Former Villa striker and club legend Gabby Agbonlahor believes Barkley could be the ideal replacement, praising his recent performances on talkSPORT:

"He should be starting in that midfield. At the weekend [v Wolves], he was getting on the ball in that number six position, making things happen. His passing is top, and I think he's been an outstanding signing for Villa."

Despite limited playing time this season, Barkley has shown remarkable consistency when called upon. Against Wolves, he completed 100% of his passes, attempted a shot from outside the box, and made two recoveries. In a previous match against Everton, where he provided an assist, Barkley completed 98% of his passes and 100% of his long balls, demonstrating his ability to make an impact.

A daunting fixture list for Villa

Aston Villa's fixture list presents a daunting set of challenges in the coming weeks. The team faces Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, followed by a Premier League clash with Ipswich Town. However, the most formidable task lies ahead in the form of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Emery will need to carefully consider his options as he looks to maintain Villa's momentum across all competitions.

The manager has previously praised McGinn's versatility and impact, emphasising the difficulty in finding an adequate replacement.