Team news: Villa receive fitness boost

Unai Emery confirmed that club captain John McGinn could return to the side when the Villans face Lille in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie tonight (Thursday).

McGinn has been sidelined with a knee injury since January, missing the Midlanders' last 10 games across all competitions.

But the Scotland international has made the journey to northern France for the 17:45 GMT fixture - the first of two big games this week for Emery's men, ahead of the weekend's key battle for the European places.

“He's here. It's important but every player is important," said Emery.

"Maybe as a captain, as well, he is adding something more, and he is coming back. We are happy, and try to recover his rhythm as soon as possible.

“But tomorrow, he is here, and he can play even in the beginning, or after.”

Villa have won just two of their seven league games without McGinn, and fellow midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans have also been sidelined.

Right-back Matty Cash has not been included in the squad to face Lille, after he picked up a knock during last week's 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

United received our own piece of good news on Wednesday, as Noussair Mazraoui was spotted training seven days after being hurt in a challenge at Newcastle.

Michael Carrick could provide further updates when he sits down in front of the media on Friday afternoon, from 13:30 GMT.