Benjamin Sesko is undergoing a tailored recovery plan at Manchester United during the international break. The striker missed Slovenia duty and United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham because of a recurring shin injury. The Benjamin Sesko injury has dominated conversation at Old Trafford this week, with the forward working closely with United’s medical staff instead of reporting for his country.
Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig and scored 12 goals in his debut season. A shin injury in May kept him out of every pre-season friendly. This season, he has featured in six matches and scored twice, but the same shin issue has now sidelined him again.
Benjamin Sesko Suffers Shin Injury Blow
The 22-year-old felt pain in his shin after United’s Carabao Cup tie with Brighton and was withdrawn from Slovenia’s squad as a precaution. He then missed the trip to Fulham, with Michael Carrick confirming after the game that the striker was not fit to be involved.
United have not set a firm return date, choosing instead to let the international break run its course while Sesko is assessed. That caution matches how the club has handled the Benjamin Sesko injury since the pre-season setback, when the same issue kept him out for weeks.
Striker Statements and Official Club Confirmation
Sesko addressed his withdrawal directly in a statement released on social media, apologising to Slovenia supporters and explaining his priorities for the weeks ahead.
“I am very sorry that I will have to miss the next matches of the national team.”
He explained where his focus now lies.
“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,” Sesko said.
He added: “I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again.”
Sesko also sent a message to his international teammates ahead of their fixtures without him.
“I believe in our boys, and I am sure that they will show the team spirit that has always adorned us this time,” he said.
He signed off with a promise to fans: “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.”
Michael Carrick Clarifies Squad and Tactical Context
Carrick had already flagged the issue in his post-match press conference after the Fulham draw.
“We’re not sure with Ben yet, he felt some pain after the game (against Brighton in the Carabao Cup) and we are assessing him at the moment,” he told reporters.
Asked directly about Sesko’s availability, Carrick was blunt.
“He definitely wasn’t ready for (Sunday). I haven’t got any more news to give you, just that he felt pain on his shin,” he said.
Carrick was also pressed on whether United needed emergency cover up front, a question that has followed the club since concerns over options up front were raised earlier this month. He pushed back on the idea.
“No, I think that just because you get setbacks in certain positions, you can’t sign a player for cover in every one,” he said.
The message was clear. United have no plans to enter the transfer market to solve a short-term absence.
International Break Timeline and Recovery Plans
Sesko is not the only United player missing this break. Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Karl Darlow have also withdrawn from their national squads, and we covered the wider picture around that trio and the striker in our earlier report.
United confirmed the arrangement in an official update, stating that “each of the players will be assessed and undergo individual recovery plans during the current three-week international break.” No return date has been given for Sesko, and Carrick’s staff will use the coming weeks to judge his shin before domestic football resumes.
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