Benjamin Sesko Faces Injury Setback at Manchester United

Benjamin Sesko faces another unwanted date with the medical room this week after suffering a recurrence of the shin injury that has stalked his start to life at Manchester United.

The problem, first reported by The Athletic, has already forced the striker to pull out of the Slovenia squad for the current international break, reopening a concern that had already disrupted his summer and delayed his pre-season.

United hit pause on key signing

United moved quickly on Monday to confirm they are treating the situation with caution. In a brief but pointed update, the club said: “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”

The wording underlines the uncertainty. Sesko first picked up the injury in the spring, yet played through the pain for two months as United pushed to secure Champions League qualification. The gamble helped the team, but the bill may now be arriving.

His latest setback came in the wake of the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. Sesko missed training after that tie and then played no part in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham, an absence that immediately raised questions about his fitness.

Carrick left waiting for answers

Michael Carrick cut a measured figure after the final whistle at Craven Cottage, but his words betrayed how little clarity United currently have.

“We’re not sure with Ben yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game [against Brighton] so we’re assessing him. At the moment, he definitely wasn’t ready for [Fulham], so I haven’t really got any more news to give you at this point. We’ll have to see what that brings,” Carrick admitted.

For a player signed to be a focal point of United’s attack, the timing could hardly be worse.

Big fee, slow start

Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 for €76.5 million, with a further €8.5m in potential add-ons attached to the deal. The fee reflected his status as one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards and the expectation that he would grow into a long-term No 9 at Old Trafford.

He showed his promise last season with 12 goals, but this campaign has stalled. Just two goals so far, no Premier League starts, and now another spell on the sidelines. United had already eased him back cautiously after his disrupted summer; his withdrawal from international duty suggests the problem has not fully healed.

For Slovenia, his absence is another blow. Sesko has not played for his country since October 2025, a gap that underlines how long this issue has lingered.

A crucial window, and a looming test

United will use the international break as a reset button. The club’s medical staff will map out a detailed rehabilitation plan once this week’s tests are complete, with one clear aim: protect Sesko from any long-term damage and finally draw a line under the shin trouble.

The calendar offers no mercy. Domestic action resumes with a high-stakes clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 10. Carrick will want his marquee forward available, not just in the squad but ready to influence a game that could shape United’s early-season narrative.

The question now is simple: can United’s medical team buy Sesko the time his body needs, before the demands of the season demand even more from him?