Benjamin Sesko Faces New Tests for Shin Injury Concern

Benjamin Sesko is facing another unwanted date with the Manchester United medical team, with the striker set for fresh tests this week after a recurrence of a shin injury that refuses to go away.

The problem has already cost him his place with Slovenia for the current international break, The Athletic reported, and has now become a growing concern at Old Trafford.

United hit pause on key signing

United moved quickly to calm the noise, confirming they are handling the situation with care. In an update on Monday, the club said: “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”

It is an injury with a long tail. Sesko first damaged his shin in the spring, but chose to play through the pain for two months as United chased Champions League qualification. The gamble kept him on the pitch. It may now be catching up with him.

The latest flare-up came in the aftermath of the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. Sesko missed training after that loss and then played no part in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham, a notable absence as United again lacked a ruthless edge in front of goal.

Carrick in the dark over severity

Speaking after the stalemate at Craven Cottage, Michael Carrick admitted there are still more questions than answers.

“We’re not sure with Ben yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game [against Brighton] so we’re assessing him. At the moment, he definitely wasn’t ready for [Fulham], so I haven’t really got any more news to give you at this point. We’ll have to see what that brings,” the United manager said.

For a player signed to be a centrepiece of the attack, uncertainty is the last thing anyone at the club wants.

Big fee, stop-start return

Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 for €76.5 million, with a further €8.5m in potential add-ons attached. It was a statement signing: a young, powerful forward brought in to lead a new era.

So far, the reality has been stuttering. He hit 12 goals last season, but has only two to his name this campaign and is still waiting for his first Premier League start. United eased him back after he missed pre-season, hoping a cautious approach would clear up the problem.

It hasn’t. His withdrawal from Slovenia duty underlines that the shin issue remains unresolved. He has not played for his country since October 2025, an absence that jars with his status as one of their leading talents.

Crucial weeks ahead

United will use this international window to lock in a detailed rehabilitation plan. The medical staff want a clean break from the cycle of pain, treatment and relapse, and believe a sustained spell of rest could be the key to avoiding long-term damage.

The clock is ticking. Domestic action resumes with a heavyweight fixture: Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 10. Carrick will want options. He will want goals. Above all, he will want the striker United invested so heavily in to be fit, firing, and finally free of a shin injury that is starting to define his season.