Benjamin Sesko injury: Man United expect swift return – sources
MANCHESTER, England – Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko is expected to return from a minor knee injury in December, sources told ESPN, despite being ruled out of Monday’s Premier League match against Everton. The 21-year-old, who joined United from RB Leipzig in the summer, has avoided serious damage and is projected to miss only a few weeks.
Sesko sustained the injury during United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham before the international break and subsequently withdrew from Slovenia duty for treatment at Carrington. Initial scans showed no major structural issue, and follow-up assessments confirmed that his absence should be short-term.
The striker will miss Everton’s visit to Old Trafford and is also unlikely to feature against Crystal Palace on Nov. 30, United’s final match of the month. The club then face a congested December schedule with six fixtures, including meetings with West Ham, Wolves, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Sesko has scored two goals in 12 appearances since arriving from Germany and has been used as a mobile, vertical threat in Ruben Amorim’s front line. His absence is expected to see Bryan Mbeumo continue as the central forward. The Cameroon international, signed from Brentford in the summer, has scored six times in 12 games and has adapted quickly to Amorim’s high-pressing approach.
Sesko’s injury could influence United’s stance on Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window. The Dutch striker is open to leaving in search of regular minutes to strengthen his case for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, and Roma are among the clubs monitoring him. However, Amorim may be reluctant to sanction the 24-year-old’s departure while Sesko recovers, given he is the only other recognised centre-forward in the squad.
United are also braced for interest in midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January, with Napoli tracking the England international as he seeks increased playing time before the tournament.
Sesko’s expected swift return offers United timely relief as they navigate a demanding winter period, while his continued development remains central to Amorim’s long-term rebuild at Old Trafford.