Benjamin Sesko Injury Blow for Manchester United After Slovenia Withdrawal

Manchester United have another problem to manage, and this one matters. Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad after suffering a fresh setback with the shin injury that has been troubling him since last season.

For club and country, the timing is poor. Slovenia have Nations League games against Scotland, North Macedonia and Switzerland coming up, while United head into the break with little momentum and more questions than answers.

Sesko setback raises fresh concern

The striker had looked to be moving in the right direction. He started against Sabah in the Champions League and featured in four straight matches, a sign that his recovery was finally settling down. That optimism did not last long.

After 65 minutes in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, the issue flared again. He was then left out of the trip to Fulham, where Michael Carrick confirmed the problem had returned. “It was a pain in his shin,” said the United manager. “We’re not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him. He definitely wasn’t ready for today.”

Manchester United statement outlines next step

United have already confirmed the immediate plan. “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.” That is standard wording, but the situation is clear enough. There is no appetite to rush him back.

The injury dates back to May, when a collision with Ibrahima Konate at Old Trafford sent him into the advertising hoardings. He did not play again that season, missed pre-season completely and has had his minutes managed ever since.

October return now target for striker

Sesko is expected to spend the next three weeks at Carrington working through rehabilitation, with Tottenham on October 10 the likely target. Whether he makes that date depends on the tests and on whether this latest pain is a minor bump or another serious delay.

At 23, with 45 caps and 16 goals for Slovenia, Sesko remains a major asset. Right now, availability is the issue. For Manchester United, that has become a familiar and costly theme.