Benjamin Sesko Faces Injury Setback at Manchester United
Benjamin Sesko faces another spell of uncertainty on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a shin injury that has already disrupted his Manchester United career and forced him out of Slovenia’s latest squad.
The 22-year-old will undergo medical examinations this week, with United’s staff and the Slovenian camp both waiting for clarity on an issue that simply refuses to settle down.
Recurring problem, rising concern
The problem is not new. Sesko first picked up the shin injury in the spring but chose to play through the pain for two months as United chased Champions League qualification. That decision underlined his commitment; it may also have prolonged the damage.
The Athletic reports that the same area has flared up again, serious enough for Sesko to withdraw from international duty for this break. United have confirmed they are treading carefully.
In a statement released on Monday, the club said: “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.” No timelines. No guarantees. Just tests and a wait.
From Brighton to the treatment room
The latest setback appears to have followed United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. Sesko did not train after that game and was missing from the squad for the 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham.
At Craven Cottage, Michael Carrick cut a measured but clearly frustrated figure as he addressed the situation.
“We’re not sure with Ben yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game [against Brighton] so we’re assessing him. At the moment, he definitely wasn’t ready for [Fulham], so I haven’t really got any more news to give you at this point. We’ll have to see what that brings,” Carrick admitted.
United, already juggling form and fitness issues across the squad, now have to plan without a striker they invested heavily in to lead their attack.
Big fee, slow start
Sesko arrived at Old Trafford from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 in a deal worth €76.5 million, with a further €8.5m in potential add-ons. It was a statement signing, the kind of fee that comes with expectation and pressure from day one.
He delivered 12 goals last season, a respectable return for a young forward adapting to a new league and environment. This campaign has been far more stop-start. Just two goals so far, no Premier League starts, and a rhythm constantly broken by fitness concerns.
His pre-season was already disrupted by the same shin issue, prompting United to handle his minutes cautiously. He was eased back, rested more than most, the club hoping a conservative approach would draw a line under the problem.
It hasn’t. His withdrawal from Slovenia’s squad underlines that the injury is still lingering. He has not featured for his country since October 2025, a gap that tells its own story.
United’s delicate balancing act
The international break now becomes a crucial window for United’s medical team. With no club fixtures to navigate, they can focus fully on diagnosing the extent of the damage and building a rehabilitation plan that finally puts the issue to bed.
The hope inside Carrington is clear: a period of uninterrupted rest and targeted recovery that prevents any long-term complications for a player signed to be a cornerstone of the club’s future.
United return to domestic action on October 10, when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford. It is the kind of fixture that demands big players and big moments.
Carrick will be desperate to see Sesko available, not just on the bench, but ready to lead the line. The question now is whether the striker’s body will let him.
