Sesko Injury Update: Manchester United’s Young Forward Expected to Miss a Month

Benjamin Sesko raised concerns among Manchester United fans after departing the pitch late in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham prior to the international break. The striker, who had recently entered the match as a second-half substitute, suffered a knee injury following a collision and was unable to continue after United had exhausted their substitution options. Manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged that with any knee issue, the uncertainty surrounding recovery can be significant, leading to worries about a lengthy absence.

After his injury, Sesko withdrew from Slovenia’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden to return to Carrington for further evaluation. Manchester United’s medical team conducted scans to assess the extent of the injury, and they have since confirmed that he has avoided severe ligament damage. Instead of joining the national team, he is focusing on rehabilitation in Manchester while awaiting a comprehensive recovery plan.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Sesko is expected to be sidelined for “at most” a month. This timeframe suggests he will miss several upcoming Premier League matches, including fixtures against Everton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham, with the possibility of missing further games against Wolves and Bournemouth should any delays arise. Despite the setback, the club considers the outcome favorable, given the potential for a more prolonged recovery.

The timing of Sesko’s injury coincides with a demanding phase of the season for Manchester United. While Ruben Amorim’s squad has experienced relative good fortune with injuries thus far, the absence of the 22-year-old forward could strain the team’s attacking options. Sesko had recently started to find his rhythm and earn additional minutes after a slow start in the Premier League, making his absence all the more impactful as the attacking responsibilities shift to other players.

United also faces challenges in midfield availability and depth in the center-forward position, heightening the importance of Sesko’s contributions as they approach December. His physical attributes, aerial strength, and ability to exploit space have added a new dimension to United’s attacking strategy this season. Losing such a pivotal player during this critical period necessitates careful management by Amorim to avoid further injuries in the forward line.

Sesko’s tenure at Manchester United has showcased both promising skills and a need for improved consistency, with two goals in 12 appearances to date. Adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League and Amorim’s tactical framework has posed challenges, yet the Portuguese coach remains confident in Sesko’s potential to fully acclimate and perform at a higher level as his confidence grows.

The injury comes at a time when Sesko was beginning to play a vital role in significant match situations. His recent performance against Tottenham demonstrated his commitment through determined pressing and effective link-up play before he was forced off with visible discomfort. Encouragingly, the medical team reported that initial swelling diminished rapidly and stability tests indicated no significant damage to the joint. With proper recovery management and no unforeseen complications, Sesko is expected to resume full training by late December, positioning him for a potential return to the squad during a critical phase of fixture congestion.

Manchester United will resume Premier League action against Everton on November 24, a match from which Sesko will be absent as his recovery process continues. If the one-month recovery timeline holds, he could be in contention for a return for the away match against Aston Villa on December 21 or the Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

In the interim, Amorim will depend on other forwards to rise to the occasion while ensuring that Sesko is not rushed back into play prematurely. The priority remains a complete recovery to stabilize his knee and mitigate the risk of re-injury during this exceptionally busy stretch of the season. United are relieved that their summer signing has avoided the worst-case scenario, and if progress continues as anticipated, Sesko’s return could provide a timely enhancement to the squad as the stakes rise in the second half of the campaign.