Man Utd Fear £74m Benjamin Sesko Could Miss Rest Of 2026 With Shin Injury

According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, Manchester United fear Benjamin Sesko could be sidelined until February after suffering another setback with his shin injury.

The Slovenia international has not featured for United since their Manchester derby defeat in September, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the year.

According to The Sun, United are bracing for the possibility of a four-month absence after the striker underwent extensive medical examinations at the club’s Carrington training complex.

Sesko, 23, joined United to strengthen their attacking options but has struggled to maintain his fitness following recurring problems with his shin.

He made six appearances across all competitions this season, scoring in consecutive matches against Everton and Sabah before the latest injury setback.

His current problem follows an injury that prematurely ended his 2025-26 campaign in May. The striker aggravated the issue after landing heavily during United’s match against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Stephen Smith, chief executive and founder of injury welfare and performance analytics company Kitman Labs, warned that recurring injuries can be difficult to manage.

“The risk is always there with recurrence. With injuries like this, you are playing a game of whack-a-mole,” he told Metro.

He added that United would need to exercise caution when determining the striker’s recovery programme.

“Caution is the right word here. Given this has flared up again they will be inclined to be more cautious, not less.”

Smith explained that surgery could become an option if further examinations reveal a more serious structural problem, although conservative treatment would generally be considered first.

United manager Michael Carrick is expected to provide a clearer update on Sesko’s condition when he addresses the media on Friday.

The potential absence presents another challenge for United, who did not sign an additional centre-forward during the summer transfer window despite Sesko’s previous fitness concerns.

Bryan Mbeumo has led the attack in recent matches and has scored four goals this season, making him a leading option to continue in the role.

Joshua Zirkzee remains another possibility, although he has started only one match since Carrick took charge in January.

Matheus Cunha has also been used centrally but has looked more comfortable operating from the left, while Marcus Rashford represents another potential alternative.

With the January transfer window still some distance away, United could be forced to rely on their existing attacking options if Sesko’s recovery takes longer than expected.

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