John McGinn feared missing World Cup after Aston Villa knee injury
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has revealed he was “petrified” of missing Scotland’s upcoming World Cup campaign after requiring knee surgery in January.
The 31-year-old recently returned to action ahead of schedule following a six-week absence.
The experienced international won the first of his 84 caps exactly ten years ago.
Scotland are currently preparing to end a 28-year wait to play at the global tournament in the Americas this summer.
World Cup dreams threatened by sudden injury
The central midfielder sustained the initial problem just 15 minutes into a league clash against Everton at Villa Park.
He initially believed he could play through the discomfort during a crucial period of the domestic season.
“I was scared. I remember right away feeling, oh this isn’t right,” McGinn admitted.
Increasing swelling and fluid eventually forced the Scottish stalwart to accept medical intervention.
Swift recovery boosts Champions League chase
Scans thankfully confirmed a minor issue rather than a severe long-term ligament tear.
The energetic playmaker underwent the first major surgery of his professional career shortly afterwards.
“As much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery,” he recalled.
His prompt rehabilitation has immediately revitalised his domestic club’s push for Champions League qualification.
Balancing domestic ambition with international duty
The Midlands outfit struggled without their talisman, winning just one in seven matches during his absence.
However, they have secured three victories from four fixtures since he returned to the starting line-up.
Although league title hopes are gone, his club currently sits just one point behind third-placed Manchester United.
The returning midfielder has even found the net in his last two consecutive appearances.
“As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body,” he added.
Steve Clarke’s national squad will now test their tournament preparations against Ivory Coast in a warm-up friendly on Tuesday.
