Manchester United’s attack has taken another blow as Benjamin Sesko, the €76.5m striker acquired from RB Leipzig last summer, has withdrawn from Slovenia’s upcoming Nations League fixtures due to a recurring shin injury. The 23-year-old’s absence—confirmed by the club in a statement—follows a frustrating pattern of setbacks, with the same issue sidelining him for the final games of last season and the entirety of pre-season. His withdrawal from Bostjan Cesar’s squad, which faces Scotland (home and away), North Macedonia, and Switzerland, adds to the Red Devils’ growing list of international absences, complicating their preparations for a season already marked by inconsistency.
Sesko’s injury resurfaced in dramatic fashion after Manchester United’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham on Sunday, where he was absent from the starting lineup. The striker had only started twice this campaign—against Sabah in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup—despite scoring twice in six appearances, including a crucial goal in the EFL Cup. His limited game time reflects the tactical challenges Carrington has faced in integrating him into a front three that has struggled for cohesion. The shin problem, which first surfaced over the summer, now threatens to extend his absence further, with medical tests scheduled this week to determine the severity and a tailored recovery plan.
The timing of Sesko’s withdrawal could not be worse for United. The striker’s absence follows a costly 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, where manager Michael Carrick publicly acknowledged the shin issue as a recurring concern. With the club already navigating a crowded international window—where players like Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Scott McTominay are also unavailable—Sesko’s prolonged absence risks exacerbating the attack’s fragility. His departure from the Slovenia squad, which was initially named for the Nations League, leaves the national team without one of their most potent forwards, further complicating their preparations for a grueling campaign.
Sesko’s injury saga underscores the physical toll of a high-octave Premier League season, where even elite signings are vulnerable to recurring niggles. His €76.5m transfer, which included €8.5m in add-ons, was meant to elevate United’s attacking output, yet his limited impact this term has raised questions about his long-term fit within Carrington’s system. With only six appearances under his belt, the striker’s role remains uncertain, and his return—if it comes—will hinge on the medical assessments this week. For now, the Red Devils must adapt without him, a challenge that will test their depth in both domestic and European competitions.
