Manchester United face extended wait for Sesko as Carrick signals lengthy absence

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has indicated that striker Benjamin Sesko faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a recurring shin problem.

Speaking with talkSPORT on Thursday, Carrick said, “Sesko will be out for a long time. May be next year to fully see him play again, we have to take our time.”

This reflects growing concern over the Slovenian forward’s fitness.

Official statements from Carrick in recent days have been more measured but still cautious.

Speaking ahead of matches earlier this month, he said the latest issue was “not the exact same thing again” but in “a similar area,” adding, “We’re kind of still working through it a little bit to see how long the issue will be. We’re hoping that it’ll be soon, obviously, but at this moment it’s still not quite clear.”

Surgery has not been ruled out as the club assesses treatment options.

Sesko arrived at Old Trafford from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 in a deal reported at around £65-74 million.

The 23-year-old showed promise in his first season, scoring regularly in the Premier League, but a shin injury that developed towards the end of 2025/26 was aggravated in a May clash with Liverpool.

That kept him out of the entire pre-season.

He returned at the start of the current campaign and contributed goals, including in the Champions League, before the problem flared again after the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in mid-September.

Sesko subsequently missed United’s draw with Fulham, withdrew from Slovenia’s international squad, and has been unavailable for subsequent fixtures.

The absence leaves Carrick short of recognised centre-forward options at a time when United have struggled for consistency.

Fans have voiced frustration online about the club’s injury record and medical support, with the big-money signing’s availability remaining a major talking point.

United continue to monitor Sesko’s progress carefully, prioritising a full recovery over a rushed return.