Manchester United Assess Benjamin Sesko’s Recurring Shin Injury
Manchester United will use the international break to establish the extent of Benjamin Sesko’s renewed shin problem after the striker pulled out of Slovenia duty. The 22-year-old is scheduled for medical testing this week, with the club set to decide a personalised rehabilitation programme once the results are known.
Shin issue returns during busy spell
Sesko first suffered the injury in the spring and continued playing despite discomfort for around two months while United pursued Champions League qualification. The problem had already restricted his summer preparations, and the latest flare-up has raised fresh concerns over whether it has fully settled.
United confirmed on Monday that the forward would undergo examinations before a recovery plan could be determined. He missed training after the 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton and was then unavailable for the 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham.
- Sesko has withdrawn from Slovenia’s squad for the current international window.
- His last appearance for Slovenia came in October 2025.
- He felt pain after the Brighton cup defeat.
- United are hoping that a sustained period away from action can avoid a longer-term issue.
Carrick awaits clearer diagnosis
Michael Carrick said after the match at Craven Cottage that there was not yet a firm indication of the seriousness of Sesko’s setback. The United manager explained that the striker had experienced discomfort following the Brighton game and was being evaluated, adding that he was plainly not fit enough to feature against Fulham.
Carrick said the club would need to wait for the assessment to establish what the injury means. United’s medical staff will now have the break to complete those checks and map out the forward’s return.
Costly signing faces another interruption
Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 in a €76.5 million transfer, with a further €8.5 million possible through add-ons. The injury has interrupted his efforts to build momentum following a season in which he scored 12 goals.
| Sesko record and transfer figures | Figure |
|---|---|
| Goals last season | 12 |
| Goals this campaign | 2 |
| Guaranteed transfer fee | €76.5m |
| Potential add-ons | €8.5m |
He has not yet started a Premier League match this season, having been given an extended rest period after his pre-season absence. His Slovenia withdrawal nevertheless indicates that the shin complaint remains unresolved.
Tottenham fixture provides immediate target
United resume domestic competition at Old Trafford against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10. Sesko’s availability for that match will depend on the outcome of this week’s tests and the recovery schedule that follows, with Carrick keen to have a major attacking option back for an important home fixture.
