Injury Updates: United’s Sesko Out for World Cup Qualifiers, Martinez’s Progress in Rehabilitation

Manchester United striker Luka Sesko has been ruled out of Slovenia’s important World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden due to a knee injury sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old was substituted in the 87th minute at the North London match after appearing to injure his knee following a collision with Micky van de Ven. Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, acknowledged post-match that injuries to the knee can vary in severity, but early assessments indicate that the issue is not severe.

United’s medical team conducted initial evaluations at Carrington, and while the prognosis is cautiously optimistic, the club expects Sesko to recover quickly. They are hopeful he will be fit in time for Everton’s visit to Old Trafford on November 24, just after the international break. Although he will miss Slovenia’s critical qualifiers, reports of a significant setback have been downplayed by the club.

Sesko’s injury has raised concerns within the squad due to its timing, especially as Manchester United is already navigating fitness issues with Harry Maguire and Casemiro, both of whom left the match against Spurs early. While Maguire’s condition is still uncertain, Casemiro has since linked up with Brazil’s national team, leaving Sesko as the team’s primary absentee as they aim to maintain progress under Amorim’s management.

In contrast to Sesko’s immediate situation, Lisandro Martinez’s participation in Argentina’s training camp marks a significant step in his long-term recovery. The defender has been sidelined since February due to major knee surgery but has received permission from Manchester United to join Argentina’s European-based squad for conditioning sessions leading up to their friendly against Angola. Although he will not take part in any matches, he will be accompanied by a member of United’s performance staff during his time away.

This move represents a carefully structured phase in Martinez’s rehabilitation, allowing him to re-enter training environments while minimizing physical risks. United believes that training alongside the Argentina squad in a familiar setting will facilitate his readiness for competitive matches more effectively than isolated sessions at Carrington.

Martinez’s presence will also serve to boost morale for Argentina as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures, while United remains optimistic about his potential return before December. His involvement is seen as a positive indicator of his nearing full recovery after an extended period of injuries that have kept him from the pitch for much of 2024 and 2025.

Since joining Manchester United from Ajax in 2022, Martinez’s career has experienced both remarkable achievements and unfortunate setbacks. He has been recognized as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted defenders, yet his time at the club has been marred by significant injuries, including a metatarsal fracture and an ACL rupture earlier this year. His most recent knee injury against Crystal Palace in February 2025 has necessitated an eight-month rehabilitation period, significantly impacting his involvement in the squad under Amorim.

As for Sesko, his start at Manchester United has been slow, with the Slovenian striker struggling to find the net consistently. Despite demonstrating moments of brilliance, his tally of just two league goals has drawn scrutiny in light of his substantial transfer fee. Nevertheless, Amorim has publicly defended the 22-year-old, expressing confidence that he will eventually find his rhythm and contribute to the team’s success.

Manchester United anticipates further updates on Sesko’s condition following his medical assessments this week, and there is growing optimism that he will be available for selection against Everton. The club will closely monitor his recovery to ensure he does not exacerbate the knee injury before returning to full training.

Meanwhile, Martinez’s time with the Argentina camp will serve as a critical benchmark for his physical readiness and psychological confidence after a lengthy absence. If he completes this phase without any setbacks, he could be included in United’s matchday squad before the end of the month, providing a much-needed boost ahead of a demanding December fixture schedule.