John McGinn injury could see Jack Grealish return to favoured position

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Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn fractured his ankle against Southampton at the weekend.

Early reports (BBC Sport) have suggested that the Scotland international midfielder faces around three months out.

The injury is a disaster for Villa, with McGinn having been one of the club’s best performers so far this season.

The club are in the thick of a relegation battle, and losing McGinn for a significant chunk of the season is a huge worry.

Dean Smith must now work out the best way in which he can cover the star’s absence – and one man who could replace him is already in the starting XI.

Captain Jack Grealish has been featuring in a wide left role in recent weeks, but could now return to the middle with McGinn out of the picture.

TBR’s view – Grealish central where he belongs

Losing McGinn is obviously a massive blow for Villa’s survival prospects, but it does present Smith with the chance to use Grealish in his natural and preferred position.

The 24-year-old has had a fine run out on the left, but arguably he is much more effective through the middle, where he can break the links with his dribbling.

If Smith does move Grealish back central, then it could also help potentially get him some late recognition from Gareth Southgate.

The England manager has so far been reluctant to call Grealish up to his Three Lions squad on account of him playing out wide.

If he were to shine consistently through the middle, perhaps he’ll be given one pre-Euro 2020 chance.