Sesko Set For Lengthy Spell On Sidelines As Man United’s Injury Crisis Deepens

Manchester United have suffered a significant setback, with striker Benjamin Sesko reportedly facing the possibility of remaining out of action until January due to a shin injury.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 23-year-old Slovenia international has undergone several medical examinations to determine the nature and severity of the problem. Reports indicate that the injury may have resulted from a direct impact rather than shin splints.

Sesko’s absence comes at a challenging time for Manchester United, who have struggled to maintain consistency and are facing limited options in the centre-forward position. Manager Michael Carrick could be without the striker for crucial Premier League encounters against Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as at least three Champions League fixtures.

The forward has not featured for United since their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 16, when he was substituted in the 66th minute. His latest injury setback has renewed concerns about his fitness, particularly given his previous struggles with similar problems.

Sesko reportedly missed the entirety of pre-season because of a related shin issue and also suffered an injury setback against Liverpool in May last season, forcing him to miss Manchester United’s final three Premier League matches of that campaign.

Since joining United from RB Leipzig in August 2025 for a reported £73.7 million, Sesko has made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist. Despite missing eight matches, he finished the previous season as the club’s joint-top Premier League goalscorer with 11 goals, alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

The Slovenian striker has scored twice this season, finding the net against Everton in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League. Following the latter encounter, he reportedly expressed relief at having overcome his earlier fitness concerns, but the latest injury has interrupted his progress.

Sesko’s potential extended absence leaves Carrick with fewer options in attack, as the striker is considered the club’s only recognised natural centre-forward. His unavailability could also influence United’s recruitment strategy ahead of the January transfer window, with questions likely to arise over the club’s attacking depth.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s difficulties have extended beyond injuries, with the team struggling to produce consistent results. The club has also faced reported tensions following a heavy Champions League defeat to Como, during which captain Bruno Fernandes was said to have criticised Carrick’s tactical approach.

Fernandes was subsequently left on the bench for United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. However, reports indicated that the captain and Carrick held discussions on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve their differences.

Despite speculation surrounding his future following the Bournemouth loss, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Saturday.

With Sesko potentially unavailable for several weeks, United face a difficult period as they attempt to revive their campaign, manage their limited attacking options and assess whether reinforcements will be necessary when the January transfer window opens.