Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is expected to be sidelined until at least January due to a persistent shin injury. The 23-year-old Slovenia international has not played since the Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton on 16 September, when he was substituted in the 66th minute. Multiple tests have been conducted to diagnose the issue, which sources confirm is an impact injury rather than shin splints. Sesko missed pre-season with the same complaint, which also affected him last season and flared up against Liverpool in May, causing him to miss the final three Premier League matches.
Since joining United from RB Leipzig for £73.7m in August 2025, Sesko has made 38 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist. He was United's joint-highest Premier League goalscorer last season with 11 goals, alongside Bryan Mbeumo. His absence has been significant, as he is manager Michael Carrick's only orthodox number nine. Sesko has scored two goals this term, against Everton and Sabah FK in the Champions League.
His injury rules out key Premier League fixtures, including matches against Liverpool and Arsenal, plus at least three Champions League games. United are currently 16th in the league, with only one win since 30 August. Following a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, captain Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick's tactics. Despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, Carrick remains in charge and is set to face Chelsea on Saturday.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing