Benjamin Sesko Withdraws from Slovenia Squad Amid Manchester United Struggles

Benjamin Sesko has pulled out of Slovenia’s Nations League squad as Manchester United’s early-season problems deepen.

The 23-year-old striker missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham after taking a knock to his shin in last week’s League Cup defeat to Brighton, and the issue has now ruled him out of international duty.

United confirmed on Monday that Sesko will sit out Slovenia’s upcoming three-week block of fixtures, which includes two matches against Scotland and games against North Macedonia and Switzerland.

“Manchester United can confirm that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break,” the club said in a statement. “Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan.”

Sesko has scored two goals for United this season and was beginning to settle into Michael Carrick’s side, but his absence adds to a growing list of withdrawals from international camps at Old Trafford.

By Monday, he had become the fourth United player to pull out. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have both withdrawn from the England squad, while Karl Darlow has left the Wales camp.

It comes at an awkward time for United. Carrick’s team sit 12th in the Premier League, with only five points from their opening five games and pressure already building around a stuttering start.

Their next test is at Old Trafford on October 10, when they host bottom side Tottenham. United need a response. They may have to find it without one of their main forwards.