Benjamin Sesko, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo missed training, casting doubt on Sesko’s availability for the Everton match and sparking transfer talk from manager Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd striker Benjamin Sesko is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury in the recent 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur, an incident that has drawn an angry response from the player’s national team manager.
According to a report from The Mirror, Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek demanded that Manchester United “break their silence” on Benjamin Sesko’s injury after accusing the Red Devils of a ‘lack of respect’.
The Slovenian striker, who came on as a substitute, was forced off after less than half an hour, leaving United down to ten men.
Kek, who needed Sesko for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden, stated: “With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents.” Sesko has subsequently withdrawn from international duty.
United coach Ruben Amorim had previously delivered a concerned update on the 22-year-old’s status. “That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now,” Amorim told reporters.
“I’m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don’t know. We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let’s see.”
The injury setback also came alongside concerns for other senior players. Both Harry Maguire, who was clutching his hamstring, and experienced midfielder Casemiro were withdrawn in the 72nd minute during the Spurs match.
Furthermore, with top scorer Bryan Mbeumo soon departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, the injury to Sesko—the team’s only out-and-out striker—has forced the club to reconsider their options.
Amorim has admitted that a January move for a new forward will come under consideration to deal with the squad’s absences.