Manchester United have been handed encouraging news after medical examinations revealed Benjamin Sesko has avoided a serious knee setback. Although the forward withdrew from Slovenia’s international fixtures last week, the latest scans indicate he is only likely to be sidelined for up to one month. The update comes as a welcome relief for the club ahead of a demanding winter stretch.
Sesko’s layoff is likely limited to one month
Concerns were raised when Sesko was forced off late during the 2-2 draw against Tottenham prior to the international break. The striker, brought on as a second-half substitute, went down after a challenge and clutched his knee, unable to carry on after United had already made all permitted substitutions. Ruben Amorim admitted post-match that knee problems are unpredictable, intensifying fears over a lengthy absence for the summer recruit.
Following the incident, Sesko withdrew from Slovenia’s decisive World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden, returning to Carrington for additional evaluation. United’s medical team proceeded with detailed scans, which have now confirmed there are no major ligament complications. Rather than travelling with his national team, the 22-year-old stayed in Manchester to begin targeted rehabilitation while awaiting his recovery programme.
According to Sky Sports, the forward is expected to be unavailable for “at most a month”. This would rule him out of upcoming Premier League fixtures against Everton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham — with potential to also miss meetings against Wolves and Bournemouth should his return be delayed. Ultimately, the club considers the prognosis highly positive given the risk of a far more extended spell on the sidelines.
Injury adds to Amorim’s attacking concerns
The timing of the injury is far from ideal as United enter one of the most congested stages of the campaign. Ruben Amorim’s squad has, up to this point, largely avoided major fitness setbacks, but the attacking unit could now be stretched without Sesko available. The Slovenian striker had begun to gain rhythm and increased match involvement after a steady start to life at Old Trafford, and his absence now places more responsibility on fellow forwards.
Compounding matters, United also face limited selection options in midfield and a lack of depth in the central striker role. Sesko’s physical presence, aerial strength, and aptitude for running into space have added a fresh dimension to the attacking plan this season. Losing that attribute heading into a vital run toward the New Year places additional strain on Amorim to rotate intelligently and avoid further injuries across the forward line.
Sesko’s mixed introduction to Premier League football
Sesko’s early spell at Manchester United has shown glimpses of promise while also highlighting areas for development. He has registered two goals across 12 appearances so far, adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League and Amorim’s tactical structure. Despite occasional missed opportunities, the Portuguese coach has publicly endorsed the striker’s potential, expecting improvements as confidence and familiarity continue to grow.
His substitute performance against Tottenham displayed intense pressing and effective link-up play before injury forced his withdrawal. Club medical staff were encouraged that swelling reduced swiftly and stability checks indicated no significant joint damage. Providing his rehabilitation proceeds without complications, Sesko should aim to re-enter full training toward the latter part of December — potentially returning just as the festive schedule escalates.
When could Sesko make his comeback?
United return to top-flight action against Everton on November 24, a fixture Sesko will not be involved while recovery progresses. Should the estimated month-long absence remain accurate, he may target a comeback against Aston Villa on December 21 or the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Amorim is expected to call upon other attacking options in the interim and ensure Sesko is not brought back prematurely. The focus is on securing a complete recovery that stabilises his knee and prevents recurrence during the most demanding period of the season. United are reassured its summer recruit has avoided the most severe outcome.
If all goes according to plan, Sesko could rejoin the squad at a critical moment, offering a timely boost ahead of the second half of the campaign.
