Key Takeaways

• Benjamin Sesko is facing an extended absence: The striker could remain out until January because of a shin injury, although a confirmed return date was not provided.
• Liverpool and Arsenal are among the expected absences: The report also indicates that Sesko could miss at least three Champions League fixtures.
• United have limited centre-forward options: His absence puts further pressure on the club’s attacking depth.
• Sesko has contributed important goals: The supplied figures credit him with 14 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions since joining United.
• United’s wider struggles continue: Inconsistent results and reported tensions between Carrick and Fernandes have added to the scrutiny facing the team.
• January recruitment remains uncertain: Sesko’s injury could influence squad planning, but no confirmed decision to sign a striker was included in the report.

Manchester United could be without Benjamin Sesko until January as the striker continues to recover from a shin injury, potentially leaving the club short of attacking options ahead of their upcoming clashes with Liverpool and Arsenal.

The setback comes at a difficult time for United, who have struggled to find consistency and are facing growing questions about their options at centre-forward.

According to a report by BBC Sport, Sesko has undergone several medical tests to determine the cause of the injury. Sources indicated that the problem resulted from an impact rather than shin splints, although his precise recovery timeline remains uncertain.

Benjamin Sesko Injury: What Happened?

Sesko has not featured for Manchester United since their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 16, when he was substituted in the 66th minute.

The Slovenian international has experienced a similar problem before. He missed the whole of pre-season because of a shin issue and later suffered another setback against Liverpool in May last season, which forced him to miss United’s final three Premier League matches of that campaign.

His latest injury is another interruption for a striker who had been working to establish himself at the club. Although he previously appeared to have moved beyond his fitness problems, this setback could keep him out for several more weeks.

A possible return in January has been reported, but Manchester United supporters will be waiting for clearer information about his recovery and availability.

Which Matches Could Sesko Miss?

Sesko is expected to miss Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League meetings with Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as at least three Champions League fixtures, according to the supplied report.

His absence could complicate preparations for a demanding run of matches, particularly because United have limited recognised options in the centre-forward position.

The final extent of his absence will depend on his recovery progress and any further medical updates. Until a return date is confirmed, the club’s attacking plans may have to account for the possibility of being without him into the new year.

Why Sesko’s Absence Is a Major Problem for Manchester United

Since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig in August 2025 for a reported £73.7 million, Sesko has made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist, according to the figures in the supplied report.

Despite missing eight matches, he finished the previous season as the club’s joint-top Premier League scorer, with 11 goals alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

Sesko has scored twice this season, finding the net against Everton in the league and Sabah FK in the Champions League. His recent progress had offered United an important attacking option, making his latest injury a significant setback.

Manager Michael Carrick now faces a challenge in finding a suitable centre-forward solution while Sesko is unavailable. The situation also raises questions about whether the club has enough depth to cope with injuries in a position that is central to its attacking plans.

EDITORIAL PULL QUOTE

Sesko’s expected absence raises fresh questions about Manchester United’s attacking depth ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

Manchester United’s Struggles Extend Beyond Injuries

Sesko’s injury is not the only concern surrounding Manchester United. The team has also struggled to produce consistent results, adding pressure ahead of its upcoming fixtures.

According to the supplied report, United’s only league victory during the period covered came against Ipswich on August 30. The team had also gone without a win in all competitions since September 10.

Those results have increased scrutiny of the team’s performances and the decisions being made by the coaching staff. Sesko’s absence could make the situation more difficult if United struggle to find reliable alternatives in attack.

Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick Reportedly Hold Talks

Manchester United have also faced reports of tension between captain Bruno Fernandes and manager Michael Carrick following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.

Fernandes reportedly criticised Carrick’s tactics after that match and was subsequently left on the bench throughout United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.

However, the supplied report states that Fernandes and Carrick held talks on Tuesday in an effort to resolve their differences.

Carrick had reportedly faced uncertainty over his position following the Bournemouth defeat, but he was expected to remain in charge for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea, scheduled for 12:30 GMT.

These developments add another layer to United’s difficult spell. Nevertheless, the reported disagreement should be distinguished from any officially confirmed decision about the manager’s future.

Could Sesko’s Injury Affect Manchester United’s January Plans?

Sesko’s potential absence until January could influence Manchester United’s thinking ahead of the winter transfer window.

If the club continues to lack a reliable alternative at centre-forward, strengthening the attacking department may become a subject of consideration. The injury has highlighted the importance of having sufficient cover when a key player becomes unavailable.

However, the supplied report does not confirm that United have decided to sign another striker. Any transfer plans will depend on the club’s assessment of its squad, Sesko’s recovery and the options available in January.

For now, the immediate priority is managing his absence while trying to improve results on the pitch.

What Happens Next for Manchester United?

Manchester United face Chelsea in their next scheduled Premier League fixture as they attempt to recover from recent disappointing results.

Sesko’s recovery will remain an important issue, particularly with Liverpool and Arsenal among the matches he is expected to miss. The club will also need to find solutions in attack while working to improve its overall performances.

A clearer recovery timeline should help determine how long United must manage without their recognised centre-forward. Until then, Sesko’s injury remains a significant concern for a team looking to regain consistency and strengthen its attacking options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What injury does Benjamin Sesko have?

According to the supplied report, Sesko is dealing with a shin injury. Sources cited in the report indicated that it was caused by an impact rather than shin splints.

2. When is Benjamin Sesko expected to return?

Sesko could remain out until January, according to the report. However, his exact return date has not been confirmed in the information provided.

3. Will Benjamin Sesko miss the Liverpool match?

The report indicates that Sesko is expected to miss Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool because of his injury.

4. Is Benjamin Sesko expected to miss Arsenal’s match?

Yes. The supplied report also lists the Arsenal fixture among the matches he is expected to miss.

5. How many goals has Sesko scored for Manchester United?

The supplied figures state that Sesko has scored 14 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig.

6. Could Sesko’s injury lead Manchester United to sign another striker?

It could influence the club’s January transfer planning, particularly given the reported shortage of recognised centre-forwards. However, the supplied report does not confirm that Manchester United have decided to sign another striker.

7. What is happening between Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick?

The report describes tensions following United’s defeat to Como and states that Fernandes and Carrick subsequently held talks. The precise nature of their disagreement should be treated as reported information unless independently confirmed.

8. Who will Manchester United play next?

The supplied report identifies Chelsea as United’s next scheduled Premier League opponent, with the match listed for Saturday at 12:30 GMT. The fixture details should be checked against the current official schedule before publication.