Manchester United Faces Injury Woes with Sesko's Withdrawal

Manchester United have been dealt another setback, with striker Benjamin Sesko pulling out of Slovenia’s Nations League squad after missing Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.

The 23-year-old did not travel to Craven Cottage, having picked up a shin problem in last week’s League Cup defeat to Brighton. What initially looked like a knock has now ruled him out of a key international block.

“Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break,” the club said in a statement on Monday. “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”

It is an unwelcome interruption to Sesko’s start at Old Trafford. He has scored twice for United this season, offering flashes of the cutting edge Michael Carrick’s side have badly needed in a stuttering campaign.

He is also not alone in heading for the treatment room instead of international duty.

On the same day, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were both ruled out of England’s squad, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow withdrew from the Wales camp. Four United players, all sidelined, all staying put.

The timing could hardly be worse. Carrick’s team sit a modest 12th in the Premier League, with just five points from their first five games. The performances have been as uneven as the numbers suggest.

United now face a stretch without competitive action to try to reset, reassess and, crucially, get bodies back. Their next test comes at Old Trafford on October 10, when bottom side Tottenham arrive.

A home game against the league’s basement club, injuries piling up, pressure already simmering — it is the kind of fixture that can quietly define a season.