Aston Villa's John McGinn is unlikely to start Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool after playing through the pain recently.

The midfielder was in considerable discomfort following Villa's 2-0 win over Newcastle last month, and a scan revealed a tear to a thigh muscle, thought to have sustained playing for Scotland.

McGinn has been having painkilling injections to get through matches, and was not able to take a full part in training sessions.

John McGinn is unlikely to start in Aston Villa's Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool on Tuesday

He is believed to have resumed normal training only last week, even though he still played every minute of the games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester.

Despite the damage, the 25-year-old is keen to continue playing to help Villa ease their relegation fears.

After Liverpool, they have two home games against direct rivals at the foot of the table: Southampton on Saturday, followed by Norwich on Boxing Day.

McGinn made a superb start to the season, scoring three goals in his opening seven league matches, and although he has been quieter of late, he remains an important player to boss Dean Smith, who is set to make changes on Tuesday.

McGinn was in considerable discomfort following Villa's 2-0 win over Newcastle last month

Jack Grealish, Douglas Luiz, Anwar El Ghazi and Bjorn Engels might be rested while Conor Hourihane could return after missing Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United with injury.

In the opposition dugout, Liverpool Under 23 coach Neil Critchley will take a good luck call from Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday night.

With the first-team squad in Qatar for the Club World Cup, Critchley will field the youngest team in the club's history.

He knows it will take a miracle for the youngsters to cause an upset — they lost to Oldham, Fleetwood (on penalties) and Accrington in the EFL Trophy — he will still demand they do themselves and the club justice.

'It's a great opportunity for all of us,' said Critchley. 'There's no better feeling for a young coach than seeing your players go and play to the best of their abilities.

'If they do that, then that is where my pride will come from. I'm sure Jurgen will be in touch. He takes great interest in our young players.'