Benjamin Sesko Latest Manchester United Player to Withdraw from International Duty
Striker Sesko pulls out of Slovenia squad with recurring shin injury, joining Mainoo and Rashford on the sidelines for England.
Benjamin Sesko has become the latest Manchester United player to withdraw from international duty, the club confirmed. Sesko has pulled out of the Slovenia squad after Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were ruled out of action for England, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow for Wales.
The 23-year-old striker missed United’s draw at Fulham on Sunday due to a recurrence of a niggling shin injury that kept him out of the final three games of last season and the club’s entire pre-season program. Sesko, who has made six appearances for United this season, has undergone scans and will have further tests this week to determine the best treatment plan.
A club statement read: 'Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break. The striker had been called up by head coach Bostjan Cesar for two games against Scotland, plus meetings with North Macedonia and Switzerland, but he will now no longer join the squad.'
Sesko last appeared in United's Carabao Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion, but was absent from the matchday squad for their most recent encounter with Fulham. The club added that Sesko will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.
Slovenia FA sources indicated that it is up to Manchester United to provide updates on Sesko’s fitness and recovery plans, and coach Bostjan Cesar will not be commenting on the situation. United’s £74 million signing from RB Leipzig has been at the center of club-versus-country tensions previously, after Slovenia insisted on assessing the player when he withdrew from international duty in March.
Both Manchester United and Slovenia are keen to understand the full extent of Sesko’s shin problem. Earlier this month, the striker had stated that the injury was 'perfect' following an extended summer break, explaining that the rest was to ensure the injury did not worsen and require a longer recovery time.