Manchester United are expecting Benjamin Sesko to remain sidelined until at least January as the striker continues his recovery from a recurring shin injury.
According to The Athletic, the Slovenia international is making progress through rest, but the club’s medical staff believe he needs more time before returning to action.
United have consulted specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment, with the priority being to ensure the 23-year-old makes a complete recovery.
Sesko has not played since starting the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on September 16.
The club subsequently confirmed that he would undergo further examinations before an individual rehabilitation programme was established.
Although his recovery is progressing well, Sesko is unlikely to resume playing before the New Year and will also require time to regain match fitness.
The problem dates back to last season, when he sustained a blow to his shin but continued playing during United’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
His condition worsened during a match against Liverpool after a challenge involving Ibrahima Konate resulted in another collision.
Sesko was eventually forced off and missed United’s final three matches of the campaign.
The club initially opted for rest rather than surgery, a decision that also prevented him from participating in pre-season preparations.
He subsequently returned as a substitute against Hull City in August before suffering another setback in September.
Despite the recurrence, United do not regard the problem as a chronic condition and are determined to minimise the risk of further complications.
The extended absence represents another setback for Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, whose attacking options have been weakened by the Slovenian’s injury.
Sesko scored 12 goals during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, although he was restricted to 17 starts.
He had also registered two goals in six appearances this season before his latest spell on the sidelines.
The striker enjoyed an encouraging improvement under Carrick, scoring eight of his 12 Premier League goals following the manager’s appointment in January.
His absence leaves United without a recognised centre-forward capable of consistently stretching opposition defences and attacking crosses.
Sesko’s physical presence and movement inside the penalty area have been important features of his contribution.
United will therefore have to continue adjusting their attacking approach while awaiting his return.
With January now the earliest realistic target, Sesko faces several more weeks of rehabilitation before he can resume competitive action.