Manchester United assess Benjamin Sesko’s recurring shin injury during break
Manchester United will use the international break to assess Benjamin Sesko after the striker’s recurring shin problem ruled him out of Sunday’s Premier League draw at Fulham. The 23-year-old felt discomfort after starting Wednesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, leaving Michael Carrick unable to put a date on his return.
Sesko concern returns after Brighton start
Sesko did not travel in United’s matchday group for the visit to Craven Cottage after pain emerged following the Brighton defeat. It is the same shin issue that caused a lengthy absence last season, when he missed the final three games of the campaign and the whole of United’s pre-season programme.
The Slovenia forward has played six times in all competitions this season. His first appearance came from the bench against Hull on the opening weekend, but his latest setback interrupts efforts to build match fitness after that earlier absence.
Carrick said the club were still establishing the scale of the problem after the Fulham match. “We do not yet know with Ben,” he explained. “He had some pain after Brighton and we are looking into it. He was certainly not ready for Fulham, and there is nothing further to report at this stage. We will see how it develops.”
A stop-start sequence for United’s forward line
- Sesko’s original shin injury kept him out for more than two months, including the last three fixtures of last season.
- He subsequently missed every pre-season match before returning as a substitute against Hull.
- The striker started in the 3-2 League Cup defeat to Brighton on Wednesday.
- Discomfort after that game led to his omission for the Fulham trip.
- United now have three weeks without domestic football to determine his availability for the next run of matches.
Selection picture improves in places, but injuries remain
There were encouraging returns at Fulham despite Sesko’s absence. Luke Shaw came back into the starting side, while Carlos Baleba was included among the substitutes for the first time since his ankle issue. The £70 million summer arrival had not previously been available for selection.
Before the match, Carrick stressed the value of both players returning to the group, describing Shaw’s availability as a boost for the squad and Baleba’s inclusion as significant.
United’s medical concerns remain broader than the situation around Sesko. Matthijs de Ligt made the journey to London but was not fit enough to be selected, while Amad Diallo has yet to play this season.
Break arrives after difficult league opening
The Fulham draw left United with one win from their first five Premier League fixtures, adding pressure to a start in which availability has repeatedly affected Carrick’s options.
- Sesko’s status for Slovenia during the international window has not been confirmed.
- Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also fitness doubts for England duty.
- Shaw’s starting return and Baleba’s bench place offer United two potential reinforcements after the break.
- De Ligt and Amad remain unresolved selection concerns.
Tottenham and Atletico await after the pause
United return to action at home to Tottenham on October 10. Carrick’s team then travel to Spain for a major Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, making the coming medical assessments important for a squad already stretched by several fitness problems.
