Sesko ruled out until January with shin injury

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is expected to be sidelined until at least January due to a shin injury. The 23-year-old has not played for the club since their loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on September 16, when he was substituted in the 66th minute. Sesko underwent multiple tests to pinpoint the cause of his injury, which manager Michael Carrick has frequently inquired about.

Sources reveal the issue is a result of an impact injury, distinct from the initial shin splints problem. Sesko missed the entire pre-season due to the injury, which also resurfaced last season and during a match against Liverpool in May, forcing him to miss the final three Premier League games. Since transferring from RB Leipzig for £73.7m in August 2025, Sesko has featured in 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist.

Despite missing eight games, he was jointly the club's top goal scorer (11) in the Premier League last season. Sesko's absence has significantly impacted Carrick, leaving him without his primary orthodox striker. Currently, Sesko has scored two goals this season, one against Everton in the Premier League and another against Sabah FK in the Champions League.

However, his recent re-injury will sideline him for crucial Premier League matches, including those against Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as at least three Champions League games. The injury may prompt United to make a January transfer window move to address their lack of a traditional forward, with the team currently in 16th place, having won only once in all competitions since September 10.

Following United's 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, captain Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick's tactics, but they reportedly had a clear-the-air discussion on Tuesday. Carrick was not expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth defeat but will continue managing United against Chelsea on Saturday.