According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Manchester United are facing concerns over Benjamin Sesko’s fitness, with the Slovenian striker potentially missing the remainder of 2026 because of a persistent shin problem. The situation could leave manager Michael Carrick without an important attacking option for an extended period as the club assesses the severity of the forward’s condition.

Reports indicate that the £74 million signing could be sidelined for as long as four months following detailed medical examinations at United’s Carrington training complex. Although there remains hope that his recovery will not stretch into February, the club is reportedly preparing for the possibility of a lengthy absence. An official return date has yet to be announced.

Sesko, 23, has not started a Premier League match this season and has been unavailable since United’s Manchester derby defeat to Manchester City in September. His latest setback comes after an earlier shin problem disrupted the closing stages of the 2025-26 campaign and prevented him from participating in the club’s pre-season preparations.

The striker eventually returned to action in September, finding the net against Everton and Sabah. However, his progress was interrupted by another problem affecting the same general area, although reports suggest the latest issue is separate from his previous injury.

Sesko remained in Manchester during the international break to undergo further medical assessments but has yet to resume training. The development is a significant disappointment for the forward, who was hoping to overcome his fitness difficulties and establish himself as a regular starter at Old Trafford.

United’s medical department is reportedly conducting additional investigations to determine the exact nature of the problem and identify the most suitable treatment. The recurrence has also raised questions about whether the striker’s previous rehabilitation programme allowed sufficient time for a complete recovery.

Stephen Smith, chief executive and founder of Kitman Labs, discussed the challenges medical teams face when dealing with recurring injuries. He explained that when an initial treatment approach fails to deliver a lasting solution, specialists may need to reassess their methods and explore alternative options rather than simply repeat the same process.

Further examinations could establish whether underlying structural damage is contributing to Sesko’s continued discomfort. Surgery is reportedly among the possibilities being considered if the medical findings indicate that non-surgical treatment would be insufficient. However, Manchester United have not confirmed whether an operation will be necessary.

For United, the priority remains establishing an accurate diagnosis and ensuring that Sesko receives appropriate treatment. A prolonged absence would limit Carrick’s attacking options and represent another frustrating interruption to the young striker’s development at Old Trafford.