Man Utd’s Benjamin Sesko Faces Layoff Until January With Shin Injury

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is expected to be sidelined until at least January due to a recurring shin injury, dealing a major blow to the club as it prepares for a crucial period of the season.

According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old Slovenia international has not played for United since their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 16, when he was substituted in the 66th minute.

Sesko has undergone several medical tests to determine the cause of the problem, with sources indicating that the injury is impact-related rather than shin splints. The setback has renewed concerns over his fitness, having missed the entirety of pre-season with a similar complaint.

The issue also troubled the striker last season after it flared up against Liverpool in May, forcing him to miss United’s final three Premier League matches.

Since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig in August 2025 in a deal reportedly worth £73.7 million, Sesko has made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist. Despite missing eight matches, he finished last season as the club’s joint-top Premier League scorer with 11 goals, alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

The forward has scored twice this season, finding the net against Everton in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League. After the latter match, Sesko reportedly expressed relief at being free from injury, but the latest setback has interrupted his progress.

His expected absence leaves manager Michael Carrick with limited options in attack, with Sesko regarded as the squad’s only natural centre-forward. The striker is expected to miss several important fixtures, including league meetings with Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as at least three Champions League matches.

The injury could also affect United’s recruitment plans for the January transfer window, as the club weighs its attacking options amid a difficult run of results. According to the report, United’s only league victory came against Ipswich on August 30, while the team has gone without a win in all competitions since September 10.

Pressure has reportedly increased following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, after captain Bruno Fernandes criticised Carrick’s tactics. Fernandes was then an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, although reports said the pair held talks on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve their differences. Carrick, who had been widely expected to lose his job after the Bournemouth defeat, is set to remain in charge for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, scheduled for 12:30 GMT.