Manchester United's Injury Woes: Sesko's Setback

Manchester United arrived at Craven Cottage without Benjamin Sesko – and without much clarity over when they might see him again.

The Slovenian striker was a surprise omission from the squad for Sunday’s draw with Fulham, ruled out after feeling discomfort in the wake of Wednesday’s chaotic 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. The problem is a worrying one: the same shin issue that already wiped out more than two months of his year.

That original injury cost the 23-year-old the final three games of last season and his entire pre-season. United thought they had finally turned the corner with him. Instead, they are back in familiar territory.

Carrick left waiting on answers

Speaking after the game at Craven Cottage, Michael Carrick could offer no firm reassurance.

“We're not sure with Ben yet,” the United manager said. “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.”

No timelines. No guarantees. Just another key forward in the treatment room at a time when United’s season is already stuttering.

Sesko has featured six times in all competitions this term, his campaign beginning off the bench against Hull on the opening weekend. United have needed his presence. They have just one win from their first five Premier League matches, the draw at Fulham adding to a flat, uncertain start.

A thin silver lining at Craven Cottage

There were, at least, some flickers of good news in west London.

Luke Shaw returned to the starting XI, a significant boost on the left side of defence after his own spell out. Big-money summer signing Carlos Baleba, a £70 million arrival, was named on the bench for the first time following an ankle problem.

“Luke coming back is good for the squad,” Carrick said before kick-off. “And having Carlos in the group for the first time... is important today.”

United need all the help they can get. Even with Shaw back and Baleba edging closer, the injury list remains heavy.

Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the squad to London but was not fit enough to make the matchday selection. Amad Diallo is still waiting for his first appearance of the season, another attacking option stuck on the sidelines.

International break brings questions, not comfort

Now comes a three-week international break that offers as much uncertainty as relief.

The pause hands United’s medical staff crucial time to assess the damage and plan recoveries. It is still unclear whether Sesko will pull out of Slovenia duty as his shin is monitored. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also face a race against time, both doubtful for England with their own fitness concerns.

For Carrick, the calendar does not ease up when domestic football returns. United host Tottenham on 10 October, a fixture that rarely allows for half-measures, then fly to Spain for a high-stakes Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

By then, the question will be unavoidable: does he have enough fit, firing players to handle that kind of schedule, or will Sesko’s recurring injury become the defining cloud over United’s autumn?