benjamin sesko manchester united
Benjamin Sesko is expected to miss Slovenia’s upcoming international fixtures due to a shin problem, GIVEMESPORT understands.
The Manchester United striker will undergo exams on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. Sesko requires rest after suffering another issue with his shin, which kept him out of the Fulham game at the weekend, with further clarity expected following medical examinations.
The 23-year-old has become an increasingly important member of Michael Carrick’s squad at Old Trafford following his arrival at the club.
For now, the focus will be on determining the extent of the problem before any potential timeframe for his return becomes clearer.
Sesko’s individual progress has come during a difficult opening to the campaign for United, with Carrick’s side struggling for consistency and already suffering disappointing results.
Their problems have extended beyond the centre-forward position, however, with United’s performances as a whole coming under scrutiny during the opening weeks of the season.
Michael Owen Criticism Looks Harsh
REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Against that backdrop, criticism of United’s attacking options is understandable, but former Manchester United striker Michael Owen recently delivered a particularly strong assessment of Sesko and his current standing at Old Trafford.
Owen claimed the Slovenian still needs to develop before becoming the “real deal” and questioned whether he is among the ten best centre-forwards in world football.
He also described Sesko as a “great impact player”, while backing Carrick’s management of the striker.
There is little reason to question Carrick’s handling of a young forward while he has several attacking options available to him.
Owen’s assessment of Sesko individually, however, looks considerably harsher when their respective starts at United are compared.
Across their first 31 Premier League appearances for the club, Sesko scored 11 goals compared to Owen’s five. Sesko also registered an assist and made 17 starts, while Owen started just six times without providing an assist.
There is obviously context behind those figures. Owen arrived at Old Trafford aged 29 and was largely signed as a squad option, whereas Sesko joined United seven years younger with the expectation that he could develop into their long-term number nine.
That age difference, though, is also why writing Sesko off as primarily an impact player at this stage feels premature.
Nobody needs to pretend the Slovenian is already one of the best strikers in world football.
United signed a young forward with considerable room to improve, and 11 goals from his opening 31 Premier League appearances suggests there is plenty to work with.
Owen himself acknowledged that more playing time and experience could help Sesko reach the required level.
Sesko’s immediate focus will now switch to his fitness, with today’s examinations set to provide further clarity over his latest shin problem.