Aston Villa are optimistic that John McGinn has avoided a serious injury after the midfielder picked up a knee problem during the club’s pre-season victory over BG Pathum earlier this week.

McGinn was forced off during the second half of Villa’s 3-1 win after landing awkwardly on his left knee, prompting immediate concern ahead of the new campaign.

The Scotland international underwent scans following the match, but further assessments have reportedly given Villa confidence that the injury is not as severe as initially feared. The club will continue to monitor his recovery over the coming days before making a final decision on his return to action.

Villa are already facing a significant midfield setback after Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury while representing Belgium at the World Cup, ruling him out for much, if not all, of the upcoming season.

There was more encouraging news on Tuesday, however, as Boubacar Kamara made his long-awaited return from a knee injury. The French midfielder marked his comeback in style by scoring just minutes after coming off the bench against BG Pathum.

Villa remain active in the transfer market as they look to strengthen the middle of the pitch following Onana’s injury, having already replaced Youri Tielemans with the signing of João Gomes last month.

Tielemans completed a £35 million move to Manchester United after the club activated his release clause, prompting Villa to move quickly to secure Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Elsewhere, with Lucas Digne completing his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Villa are also looking to reinforce the left-back position and have reportedly agreed a deal with Atlético Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri.

Johan Manzambi has arrived following the departure of Morgan Rogers, but Villa are still expected to target additional reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with a right winger and a right-back remaining among the club’s priorities.