Benjamin Sesko's injury has been revealed as pressure continues to grow on Michael Carrick's Manchester United side.
In a fresh blow for Carrick, the Slovenian striker will be out until at least January with a shin problem which appears to be a stress fracture.
And for many fans they are left wondering what happened to his fitness preparation over the summer where he clearly had bulked up which could lead to extra stress on shins.
The £73.7million signing has not played since being substituted in the 66th minute of United’s Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton on September 16.
Read also
He has undergone multiple tests to establish the cause of his ongoing discomfort.
The latest assessment is understood to point towards an impact causing the stress fracture rather than shin splints.
Carrick has repeatedly sought clarity over when his striker might return from his own medical staff.
Sesko missed the whole of pre-season with a shin injury, which also affected him last season and flared up against Liverpool in May.
That setback ruled him out of United’s final three Premier League matches of the campaign.
His latest absence is a significant setback for United who are struggling for results and short of recognised centre-forward options.
Since joining from RB Leipzig in August 2025, Sesko has made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist.
Despite missing eight matches, he finished last season as United’s joint-leading Premier League scorer with 11 goals, level with Bryan Mbeumo.
Sesko has managed two goals this term, scoring against Everton in the league and Sabah FK in the Champions League.
After the latter match, he spoke of his relief at finally being free from injury, but that optimism has proved short-lived.
His expected absence until the New Year means United will be without their only orthodox number nine for a crucial run of fixtures, including Premier League meetings with Liverpool and Arsenal.
He is also set to miss at least three Champions League matches.
The situation could force United to reconsider their plans for the January transfer window, with the lack of a natural centre-forward adding to concerns over the squad’s balance.
United’s problems extend well beyond the treatment room. They are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, with their only league victory coming against Ipswich on August 30, and have not won in any competition since September 10.
Last Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como brought further scrutiny, with captain Bruno Fernandes criticising Carrick’s tactics.
The Portugal international was then an unused substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.
Carrick was widely expected to lose his job following that defeat, but has reportedly held clear-the-air talks with Fernandes and is set to remain in charge for Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea.
Popular News
Loading
