John McGinn: I’ll ‘be back before you know it’ after knee operation

Scotland and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn insisted he would “be back before you know it” after undergoing knee surgery.

The 31-year-old Villa skipper went under the knife following an injury he sustained against Everton earlier in the month.

On his official X account, the former St Mirren and Hibernian playmaker joked about a photograph taken of him in 2016 after a previous operation, as he relayed positive news.

He said: “Not doing one of they shocking pics like 2016, surgery went well and I’ll be back before you know it.”

Villa are flying high in the Premier League this season, behind Manchester City on goal difference and four points behind leaders Arsenal, with 23 fixtures completed.

McGinn will look to be back for the domestic run-in, with Villa boss Unai Emery saying after the 2-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday: “Normally, he is going to be out for some weeks, maybe even one or two months but I want to wait for the doctor’s opinion on it.”

McGinn also has the 2026 World Cup to look forward to in the summer.

With 20 goals in 83 caps, he is a key member of Steve Clarke’s squad and played his part in the epic 4-2 World Cup qualifying win over Denmark at Hampden Park on November 18.

The thrilling victory clinched top spot in the group for the Scots to take them to the finals of the tournament for the first time since 1998.