Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from Slovenia’s squad for the three-week international break. The injury is said to be a shin problem he picked up during Manchester United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. It also kept him out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham. Sesko is the fourth United player to leave international duty this week.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have both withdrawn from the England squad. Karl Darlow has pulled out of Wales duty too. All three issues trace back to the same fixture at Craven Cottage. United’s medical staff now face a busy few days before the break finishes. Four senior players will stay in Manchester instead of joining their countries.
Manchester United Confirm Tests Scheduled for Sesko Following Shin Injury
Manchester United moved quickly to confirm the situation. An official club statement addressed Sesko directly. It read:
“Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break.”
United then explained what comes next. The statement continued:
“Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”
No timeline has been given beyond that testing process. United want this week’s assessments finished before shaping anything further. Sesko’s recovery plan will only take shape once the results are known. News of the Benjamin Sesko injury, plus details of the other three withdrawals, was first reported by The Independent.
Carrick Confirms Rashford Hip Issue as Mainoo and Darlow Pull Out
Michael Carrick confirmed that Rashford picked up a hip issue at Fulham. He raised it during his post-match media duties. Further reaction from that same press conference features in our talking points under Carrick.
Kobbie Mainoo was withdrawn from the same match. He was substituted late as the draw wore on. Mainoo has since pulled out of the England squad alongside Rashford. Both players need further assessment before any decision is made on their next appearance.
Karl Darlow’s withdrawal from Wales is the most surprising of the four. The goalkeeper had not even featured against Fulham. He was only named among the substitutes that day. His withdrawal still adds a fourth name to United’s list of absentees heading into the break.
Upcoming International Timeline and Recovery Schedule
Sesko’s withdrawal means he will miss four fixtures with Slovenia. That includes two Nations League matches against Scotland. He will also miss games against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
United have not put a return date on any of the four players. The club’s position remains firm on that point. Sesko’s individual recovery plan will follow this week’s tests. No further detail has been offered on Rashford, Mainoo or Darlow beyond their withdrawal from national duty.
Each player is expected to stay with United’s medical staff for assessment. None will travel with their national squads over the coming days. Supporters will be watching closely for updates. The club is managing a stretched squad list through the three-week break, with Premier League football still to resume once it ends.
Fulham 1-1 Man United: Tactical and xG Breakdown
Fulham 1-1 Man United: Tactical and xG Breakdown
Michael Carrick’s Man Utd Struggle as Early Form Raises Alarm
Michael Carrick’s Man Utd Struggle as Early Form Raises Alarm