Man Utd boss Carrick confirms Benjamin Sesko recovery uncertainty
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has admitted there is no clear timeframe for Benjamin Sesko’s return following another shin injury for the striker, as first reported by ESPN.
The 23-year-old forward withdrew from the Slovenia squad during the international break after missing United’s 1-1 draw against Fulham, having suffered a issue similar to the problem that sidelined him for three months during the summer.
Sesko faces indefinite period on Old Trafford sidelines
Sesko has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, with United staff still assessing the extent of the damage.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Old Trafford, Carrick explained the situation regarding Sesko’s injury:
“It’s not the exact issue, it’s a similar area, but it’s not the exact same thing again.”
The forward’s absence leaves United light in attack during a crucial run of games, with medical staff unable to guarantee a quick return.
Addressing the uncertainty over the Slovenia international’s recovery timeframe, Carrick said:
“We’re kind of still working through it a little bit to see how long the issue will be. We’re hoping that it’ll be soon, obviously, but at this moment it’s still not quite clear.”
Widespread selection issues mount for Tottenham fixture
Sesko is far from the only fitness concern for United following the international break, with several key figures currently dealing with setbacks.
Patrick Dorgu is set to miss out after sustaining a hamstring injury while representing Denmark on international duty.
Discussing the setback suffered by the Denmark full-back, Carrick said:
“Patrick came off and looks like he’ll be out for probably a number of weeks.”
Noussair Mazraoui remains a doubt to face Spurs after picking up a knock, though summer signing Carlos Baleba could feature after showing progress in training.
Carrick also confirmed that Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo have all returned to partial training in recent days, offering a mixed picture for the squad’s overall availability.
Carrick responds to JJ Gabriel exit speculation
The United manager also responded to questions regarding 16-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel, as highlighted by United In Focus, following reports the teenager requested his contract be terminated.
Gabriel was expected to feature in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, but did not make the matchday squad after requesting to leave the club.
Carrick indicated that early team selections can shift quickly when circumstances surrounding young players evolve.
Addressing the youth prospect’s situation, Carrick told reporters:
“We always have plans for certain things and certain ideas for younger players, whether they’re involved in squads, whether they’re not involved in squads, but nothing was concrete at that stage anyway.”
What comes next for Manchester United
United prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon looking to build momentum in the Premier League, though Carrick must navigate a makeshift lineup given the mounting injury list.
