Manchester United - Man Utd
Manchester United are facing a fresh injury problem, with Benjamin Sesko likely to remain out until at least January. The striker last played football in September and leaves Michael Carrick short of options in attack.
Benjamin Sesko faces another spell on the sidelines
Sesko’s last appearance for United came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 16. He was named in the starting line-up but had to come off in the 66th minute after his shin problem returned. The club have since carried out several tests to find the cause and work out the best way to treat it.
As reported by BBC Sport, the 23-year-old is suffering from an impact injury, not shin splints. United’s medical team have also spoken to specialists to get a clearer picture of the problem. Their main concern is making sure Sesko recovers properly before he plays again.
Sesko has faced a similar problem before. He missed the final three Premier League games last season after aggravating the injury against Liverpool in May. United chose rest over surgery, which also kept him out of pre-season.
The Slovenia international returned at the start of the new campaign, but the problem has now resurfaced. Rest is helping, though he will need time to regain full fitness. Even after recovering, he must build up his match fitness before returning to regular action.
United do not want to rush him back and risk another injury. Sesko had hoped to return earlier, but the latest assessment suggests he could be out for several more weeks.
United feel the loss of their main striker
Sesko’s absence gives Carrick fewer choices up front. He brings a physical presence in the box and often runs in behind the defence. This gives United a different option from their quicker, more mobile attackers.
As reported by The New York Times, Sesko is good at attacking crosses and finding space in front of goal. His movement also helps create openings for his teammates. When United send the ball into the penalty area, he gives them a clear target to aim for.
Sesko impressed under Carrick last season, scoring eight of his 12 league goals after the manager took charge in January. Five came as a substitute, while he also ranked among the league’s best for shots on target per 90 minutes.
United signed him from RB Leipzig in August 2025 for a reported £73.7 million. He has scored 14 goals and provided one assist in 38 appearances. His two goals this season came against Everton and Sabah FK. His absence leaves United without a recognised number nine for key games against Liverpool and Arsenal. The club could also look at signing another striker in January.
Sesko’s Man United stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Starts Minutes Played Goals
Premier League 30 17 1635 11
FA Cup 1 1 90 1
EFL Cup 1 1 90 0
Manchester United - Man Utd
January return remains the target
Sesko’s recovery is an important issue for United as they try to improve their results. Without him, Carrick has fewer options in attack, especially when the team need a striker who can hold up the ball and cause problems inside the penalty area.
United are unlikely to set a fixed return date before they know he has recovered fully. Even if Sesko is ready to play in January, he will need time to regain his fitness before he can feature regularly.
Until then, United will have to manage without one of their main attacking players. Having Sesko back would give Carrick another option for the second half of the season. For now, though, the priority is to make sure the striker recovers properly and does not suffer another setback.