Benjamin Sesko
MUN
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
May 31, 2003 (23)
Right
6'5"
187 lb
Could remain sidelined until January
Sesko (lower leg) could remain sidelined until the new year amid concerns over a prolonged recovery, according to coach Michael Carrick, per The Sun. "We're hoping really soon that we'll have a clear picture. Hopefully next time we speak, maybe not tomorrow, but by the end of the week, we'll have something a little bit clearer."
Analysis: Sesko has already missed five weeks with a lower-leg injury unrelated to the shin problem that troubled him for much of last season, and Manchester United are reportedly concerned that his absence could extend into January or even February. The 23-year-old striker continues to undergo medical assessments, with the club yet to establish a definitive recovery timeline or rule out a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His potential absence would represent a significant setback after he scored 12 Premier League goals during his debut campaign, while Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as the preferred option to lead the attack. Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee provide additional alternatives, although Sesko's uncertain recovery could prompt United to consider reinforcing their attacking options during the January transfer window.
Hoping for timeline soon
Sesko (lower leg) is hoping to have a timeline for his recovery soon, per manager Michael Carrick. "...hopefully by the end of the week we will have something clearer. There has been some work going on."
Analysis: Sesko is still waiting for a specific timeline for his return, and surgery hasn't been ruled out of the equation yet. It would be easier for him to make a return quickly if he can at all avoid surgery, but it's possible club and player both will decide that is the best path forward. Bryan Mbeumo has a good chance to lead the line with Sesko out.
No timeline for return
Sesko (lower leg) has no set timeline for his return, coach Michael Carrick said Friday, per ESPN. "It's a similar area, but it's not the exact same thing again. We're kind of still working through it a little bit to see how long the issue will be. We're hoping that it'll be soon, obviously, but at this moment it's still not quite clear."
Analysis: Sesko has been sidelined since experiencing shin pain following the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 16, an issue affecting a similar area to the injury that kept him out for roughly three-and-a-half months over the summer. Head coach Michael Carrick has been unable to provide a definitive recovery timeline, with the recurrence prompting a highly cautious approach from the medical staff. The forward scored twice in six appearances after returning earlier in the campaign before his setback. His absence has seen Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo alternate in leading the attack in recent fixtures.
Surgery under consideration
Sesko (lower leg) remains sidelined with a recurring shin issue, with Manchester United considering surgery as a potential treatment option and no clear timeline for his return, according to Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News. "It's not the exact issue, it's a similar area, but it's not the exact same thing again. We're hoping that it'll be soon, obviously, but at this moment it's still not quite clear," said coach Michael Carrick.
Analysis: Sesko is facing another spell on the sidelines after experiencing renewed shin pain following the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton, having previously missed three-and-a-half months with a similar issue. The striker returned at the start of the season after missing the entire preseason but has struggled to stay healthy, with the latest setback already ruling him out of Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham. Manchester United's medical staff are still evaluating treatment options, including potential surgery, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain. Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo should continue leading the attack while Sesko remains unavailable.
Ruled out against Tottenham
Sesko (lower leg) has been ruled out for Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham as he continues recovering from a persistent injury, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben is further away, with the issue he has got. He won't be ready."
Analysis: Sesko remains sidelined with the lower-leg issue that previously forced him to miss Manchester United's clash against Fulham and the friendly against Lausanne-Sport. The striker also withdrew from international duty with Slovenia to focus on his recovery, but Carrick's latest comments suggest he is still some way from returning to action. His absence against Tottenham is now confirmed, with no clear timeline established for his comeback. Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue leading the attack during his absence.
Doubtful for Tottenham clash
Sesko (lower leg) is a doubt for Saturday's match against Tottenham after not featuring in the friendly against Lausanne-Sport, according to Jack Flintham of the Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: Sesko missed the friendly against Lausanne-Sport, indicating that the flare-up of his shin injury has yet to settle following his recent absence from the squad against Fulham. The striker subsequently withdrew from the Slovenia squad during the international break to continue his recovery program. His lack of match action leaves his availability for Saturday's fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in serious doubt.
Requires time to recover
Sesko (shin) underwent another assessment at Carrington this week as he continues his recovery from an atypical injury that requires time to heal, according to Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar, per Steven Railston. "He needs time, he needs good rehabilitation - and Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully healthy."
Analysis: Sesko remains without a firm return timeline, with Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar's comments suggesting the striker will need a patient rehabilitation process before returning to action. He had already withdrawn from Slovenia duty after missing the match against Fulham, allowing him to remain with Manchester United and focus on his recovery. Sesko had scored twice across his previous four appearances in all competitions before the setback, while Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue through the middle during his absence.
Withdraws from Slovenia squad
Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad for the upcoming international break and will undergo further tests this week before an individual recovery plan is determined, according to the club.
Analysis: Sesko's withdrawal from international duty comes after he missed Sunday's match against Fulham due to the shin pain he experienced following the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton. The striker remains without a firm return timeline, with the upcoming tests expected to provide further clarity on his recovery. Sesko had scored twice across his previous four appearances in all competitions before the setback, and he'll hope to be available when Manchester United return against Tottenham on Oct. 10. Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue through the middle if Sesko remains unavailable.
Shin injury still under assessment
Sesko remains without a clear timeline after missing Sunday's game versus Fulham due to an issue about which manager Michael Carrick commented "he felt some pain after the [Brighton] game and we are assessing him at the moment. He definitely wasn't ready for today. I haven't got any more news to give you, just that he felt pain on his shin."
Analysis: Sesko will likely work on his recovery over the international break and could be sidelined for a longer period if the situation turns out to be serious. He was building momentum prior to this situation, scoring two goals over his last four appearances (two starts) across all competitions and showing flashes of his finishing ability in that span. If Sesko remains out, Joshua Zirkzee is the only natural striker on the roster, but they're more likely to use either Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha in the middle of the front line.
Out with injury
Sesko is out for Sunday's match against Fulham after experiencing pain following Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He just felt a little bit of pain after the game the other night. We're assessing that. Hopefully, it's not too bad but we will have to see."
Analysis: Sesko is sidelined against Fulham after developing pain following his start in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. The exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, though manager Michael Carrick indicated there is hope the issue is not serious. The striker had already missed preseason with a shin problem before returning to action, making his condition worth monitoring over the international break. Matheus Cunha starts through the middle Sunday and remains Carrick's preferred option in that role in Premier League play.
Not spotted in travelling squad
Sesko is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Fulham after not being seen with the travelling squad, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: Sesko appears unlikely to be involved against Fulham, though nothing has been confirmed and it is not yet clear whether the absence is injury related. The striker missed pre-season with a shin problem and has looked short of sharpness since returning, but he has been available throughout and started the midweek defeat to Brighton before coming off in the second half. Should he sit this one out, Matheus Cunha would likely continue through the middle, which has been coach Michael Carrick's preferred league arrangement in any case.
Fires off one shot
Sesko recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: Sesko would enter the field for United for the final 23 minutes of the game, still yet to start a match in league play this season. He would see a few touches on the ball and get a shot off, although it was off target. He was a decent source of goals last season with 11 in 30 appearances (17 starts), but his limited time heavily limits what he can do.
Scores on two shots
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 4-0 victory over Sabah FK.
Analysis: Sesko didn't have the best day during Thursday's win, but against opposition that couldn't really hang with him he did perfectly well. The forward was lethal with his best chance and finished well during the rout. Sesko will have to make more chances if he wants to keep scoring in tougher matches.
Pushing for starting role
Sesko is in contention to start Thursday's Champions League clash against Sabah after scoring off the bench against Everton on Sunday, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben is close, obviously. He's obviously getting closer and closer. He missed a lot, since the Liverpool game [last season], it's a long time to miss. We had to manage it and get him fit, he trained three-and-a-bit weeks fully, with no restrictions."
Analysis: Sesko strengthened his case for a starting role by scoring after coming off the bench against Everton, continuing his progress following a lengthy absence. The striker has now trained without restrictions for more than three weeks and appears ready for an increased workload. With United facing three matches in quick succession, manager Michael Carrick is expected to rotate his attacking options, giving Sesko a realistic chance of entering the starting XI against Sabah.
Scores late off bench
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Sesko made the most of another limited opportunity, rising at the back post to power Luke Shaw's cross beyond Jordan Pickford and briefly put United 2-1 ahead. It was his first goal of the Premier League season despite coming off the bench in each of the opening three matches, giving him an important early return while he continues to build his fitness. His two shots in only 20 minutes also highlighted the penalty-box presence and finishing threat he can provide, and performances like this should strengthen his case for increased playing time.
Pushing for first start
Sesko is continuing to build his fitness and could be closer to making his first start of the season in Sunday's Premier League clash against Everton, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben's improving, he's been improving his fitness all the time. [...] I'm really happy with how he's come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more."
Analysis: Sesko has been limited to substitute appearances after missing the entirety of preseason, but his workload appears ready to increase. Manchester United have deliberately taken a patient approach to avoid setbacks, and manager Michael Carrick's latest comments suggest the striker is moving closer to being ready for a starting role. Matheus Cunha remains competition to lead the line, though Sesko should at least be in line for increased minutes Sunday.
Enters as substitute
Sesko took an off target shot as a substitute during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko entered the match in the 67th minute but did little to swing the momentum to United's side. Matheus Cunha was selected ahead of Sesko to lead the line on Saturday, with playing time being the biggest question for Sesko moving forward.
On bench for opener
Sesko is included on the bench for Saturday's league opener against Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko is working back from a shin problem that flared up during the victory over Liverpool in May, an issue that proved more stubborn than first expected and kept him out of every pre-season fixture. He has been following a rehabilitation program at Carrington throughout the summer and only returned to full training with his teammates in the past week, which explains why he is being eased in with a place among the substitutes rather than a start. Given he managed seven goals in 13 games (six starts) under head coach Micheal Carrick last season, United will want to build his match fitness back up gradually before restoring him to the starting lineup.
Pushing to be involved
Sesko (lower leg) is in training and is "pushing to be involved" Saturday against Hull City, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Ben's back training, so that's, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well."
Analysis: Sesko's presence in training is a step in the right direction, but based on Carrick's words, the Slovenian might not be ready to start in this season opener, with the best-case scenario being to come off the bench. That means Matheus Cunha could lead the line Saturday against the Tigers. Sesko made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals and adding an assist.
Back with group at Carrington
Sesko (lower leg) trained with Manchester United's squad Tuesday at Carrington, according to the club.
Analysis: Sesko's return to the group marks progress after he was left out of the traveling squad for Saturday's preseason finale against AC Milan due to a lower leg issue. He made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals with an assist, and United will be hopeful of having him fully available as the new campaign gets underway. Sesko is expected to continue building up his sharpness now that he's back working with the full squad. His involvement in training this week should offer a clearer picture of his readiness for the season opener.
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