Benjamin Sesko Misses Fulham Trip and Withdraws From Slovenia Duty
Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from Slovenia’s squad this week, with the Benjamin Sesko injury the reason he missed Manchester United’s trip to Fulham. The 23-year-old picked up discomfort in his shin before the weekend and was withdrawn from the matchday squad as a precaution. He joins a growing list of United players stepping away from international duty this window, a trend we covered in our report on the international departures from Old Trafford.
Manchester United and Player Confirm Shin Injury Tests Underway
United moved quickly to explain his absence, confirming in a short statement that Sesko would be assessed properly rather than rushed back. That detail was first carried in the Manchester Evening News report on Tuesday, and it’s the clearest sign yet that the club wants certainty on the Benjamin Sesko injury before setting a return date.
Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.
Sesko addressed his supporters directly too, posting a message in Slovenian shortly after the squad news broke.
I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team’s upcoming matches. I have always played for Slovenia, and always will, with heart and pride. Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again. I believe in our guys, and I am certain that this time, too, they will display the team spirit that has always defined us. I can’t wait to wear the national team jersey again; until then, I will be Slovenia’s biggest supporter. Go Slovenia.
The forward vows full focus on recovery in that post, striking a patient tone rather than one of alarm.
Michael Carrick’s Tactical Adjustments and Pundit Criticism
Michael Carrick set Manchester United up without a recognised number nine against Fulham, pushing Matheus Cunha into a false nine role instead of bringing in a like for like replacement. Cunha dropped deep to link the play, a switch that changed the shape of United’s attack for the whole afternoon. It worked well enough on the day, but it left United without their usual focal point up front.
Not everyone was convinced the reshuffle was even necessary. Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, questioned whether Sesko’s shin problem was serious enough to keep him out at all. “If it isn’t broken, just wear your shin pads,” Scholes said. Butt went further, adding: “You’re a player, you either break your shin or you play!” Their comments meant pundits questioned the severity of the injury within hours of the team news.
Slovenia team-mate Jaka Bijol pushed back on that criticism and defended Sesko in public. “I hope and believe that Beni knows how to distance himself from this kind of pressure. When things aren’t going your best on the pitch and you have certain doubts, reading things like this can make your confidence even worse,” Bijol said. “He shouldn’t pay too much attention to it, since we all know what quality he has. He himself knows what kind of footballer he is, and I think he always shows it with incredible things on the pitch.”
Tottenham Fixture Sets Recovery Timeline After International Break
United’s players will report back to Carrington once the international break ends, and Sesko’s test results should shape how he’s managed in training from there. Carrick will have a clearer picture of his forward’s recovery plan by the time the squad reconvenes as a group.
The club return to Premier League action on October 10 at 5:30pm, away to Tottenham. Whether Sesko is fit enough to be involved will depend entirely on what those shin tests show over the coming days. Until then, Carrick has a fully fit Cunha ready to lead the line again if his forward needs more time.
Wayne Rooney questions Benjamin Sesko injury decision after Fulham absence
Wayne Rooney questions Benjamin Sesko injury decision after Fulham absence
Manchester United News & Talking Points: Sesko, Gabriel, Carrick and More
Manchester United News & Talking Points: Sesko, Gabriel, Carrick and More