Benjamin Sesko Withdraws from Slovenia Squad Amid Manchester United Injury Crisis

Benjamin Sesko has pulled out of Slovenia’s Nations League squad as Manchester United’s injury list grows and their season stutters.

The 23-year-old striker missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham with a shin problem picked up in last week’s League Cup defeat to Brighton, and the issue has now ruled him out of international duty.

United confirmed on Monday that Sesko will sit out Slovenia’s upcoming fixtures, a run that includes two games against Scotland and clashes with North Macedonia and Switzerland across a three-week international window.

“Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break,” the club said in a statement. “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”

For Michael Carrick, it is another unwelcome development in a start to the season already short on rhythm and confidence.

United’s international exodus

Sesko became the fourth United player in a single day to withdraw from international duty.

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have both dropped out of the England squad, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow has pulled out of Wales’ camp. It leaves Carrick with a growing group of players staying behind at Carrington for treatment and rehabilitation instead of competitive minutes with their countries.

Sesko has scored two goals for United this season, and while he is still settling into life at Old Trafford, his absence strips away another attacking option from a side already struggling to convince.

A fragile start and a crucial date

United sit 12th in the Premier League table, marooned in mid-table after collecting just five points from their opening five games. Performances have been patchy, results even more so, and every injury now feels heavier than it might in a confident, functioning side.

The schedule offers no hiding place, but it does offer an opportunity.

After the international break, United return to Old Trafford on October 10 to face bottom side Tottenham. On paper, it looks like the ideal fixture for a reset, a chance to steady the season and quieten the noise.

Whether Carrick has Sesko – or a fully fit squad – available by then could say a lot about how quickly this campaign can be dragged back on course.