Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko has been forced to pull out of the Slovenia squad with a persistent injury.
Manchester United’s week went from bad to worse. After Michael Carrick’s side crashed out of the Carabao Cup, Benjamin Sesko suffered a setback after recently returning from an ankle injury that ruled him out of the final games last season.
The 23-year-old missed United’s 1-1 draw against Fulham, and he won’t be playing in Slovenia’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Interestingly, Sesko isn’t the only United player to pull out of their national team. England duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have also been given the next three weeks to prepare for the Premier League clash against Tottenham. Another United player to pull out of their national team squad was Welsh stopper Karl Darlow.
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Benjamin Sesko releases statement after latest injury setback
The 2026/27 season has not started as planned for Sesko. He has missed games due to injury, and there is a strong sense of disappointment brewing at Old Trafford following the poor start.
Then, once we thought Sesko was back – starting his first game of the season in United’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton – he missed the trip to Craven Cottage amid fears his previous injury had been aggravated. This is the last thing Ineos wanted after failing to sign a new striker as back-up to the Slovenian in the summer transfer market.
Carrick may have options in attack, but Sesko is the only recognised centre-forward in the current squad, so his injury is being felt by United as well as the Slovenian national team.
Sesko will miss two matches against Scotland and games against North Macedonia and Switzerland. A club statement on Monday read: “Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break.
“Benjamin will undergo tests before defining his individual recovery plan.”
Following his latest injury setback, Sesko took to social media, uploading an Instagram story containing an apology to the Slovenian national team.
Sesko wrote: “I am very sorry that I will have to miss the next matches of the national team. I have always played for Slovenia and will always play with heart and pride.
The most important thing now is to fully dedicate myself to recovery. I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again.
I believe in our boys, and I am sure that they will show the team spirit that has always adorned us this time. I can’t wait to be able to wear the jersey with the national emblem again, and until then I will be Slovenia’s biggest fan.”
United will hope to have Sesko back fully fit soon. He will have the next three weeks to recover at Carrington, unless he is given leave for the extended break to rest up.