Sesko Injury Blow
Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko withdraws from Slovenia squad with recurring shin injury.
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Key Points
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Manager Michael Carrick said Sesko felt pain after the Brighton match and “definitely wasn’t ready” to face Fulham, adding that the club was still assessing the striker’s condition.
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Sesko’s shin problem began after he took a kick early in the spring, but he continued playing until Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford in May; he also spent much of June at Carrington while working toward recovery.
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Sesko had not represented Slovenia since October 2025, meaning the latest withdrawal could extend his absence from international football to nearly a year.
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Sesko started United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton, while the club’s other injury-return news included potential debuts for £70 million signing Carlos Baleba and defender Matthijs de Ligt, plus Luke Shaw’s possible return.
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United’s October 10 meeting with Tottenham could be a high-pressure fixture for both managers: Carrick and Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi were each expected to face scrutiny after poor starts to the season.
Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko withdrew from Slovenia's Nations League squad after aggravating a shin injury that has plagued him since spring. BBC Sport reported that the 23-year-old felt pain following United's Carabao Cup loss to Brighton and missed the subsequent 1-1 draw at Fulham. Manager Michael Carrick said Sesko was "definitely wasn't ready" to face Fulham as the club assesses his condition.
Tests scheduled for this week will determine Sesko's recovery plan and availability for the October 10 clash against Tottenham. BeIN Sports noted the striker scored 12 goals last season in 32 appearances but has battled fitness issues since taking a kick in early spring. His latest withdrawal extends his absence from international play to nearly a year, having last represented Slovenia in October 2025.
How The Shin Injury Emerged And Persisted
Sesko's shin problem began after he took a kick early in the spring but continued playing through it. The injury sidelined him late last season and plagued him throughout the entire preseason. Sunday Guardian Live reported that discomfort first appeared following a match, forcing the club to monitor his fitness closely heading into the new campaign.
He spent much of June at Carrington working toward recovery but the issue resurfaced after the Brighton defeat. The recurring nature of the injury suggests deeper structural concerns that require urgent medical attention before Sesko can safely return to action.
Testing And Timeline For Return Remain Unclear
101 Great Goals reported that Sesko is set to undergo tests this week to determine the extent of the damage. Results from those scans will dictate whether he misses just the Slovenia fixtures or extends further into United's domestic schedule. Manager Carrick has not provided a timeline, leaving fans uncertain about his status for the Tottenham match.
The striker's absence adds pressure to United's injury-ravaged squad at a critical moment. Other players like Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt are nearing returns, but losing Sesko's goal-scoring ability compounds a difficult start to the season for both Carrick and Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Timing Compounds Pressure On United's Season
Sesko's withdrawal arrives as Manchester United faces mounting scrutiny after a poor opening to the campaign. BeIN Sports noted the 23-year-old joined from RB Leipzig for £74 million last August and has scored twice in the early weeks of this season. His forced absence reduces attacking options when the team needs momentum before the high-stakes Tottenham clash.
Both Carrick and De Zerbi are expected to face board scrutiny based on early results, making the October 10 fixture a pivotal moment for both managers. Losing a goal-scoring threat like Sesko at this juncture threatens United's ability to build confidence and climb the table during a crucial stretch.
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