This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Man Utd striker Benjamin Sesko is not expected to play before January as he continues his recovery from a shin injury.

No specific timeline has been given for the Slovenian’s return to action, but The Athletic claim that he won’t feature in any of the remaining games this year.

Supporters on X have not reacted well to this latest setback for Sesko, with some wondering whether a replacement is needed:

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell The boys made of plastic. Get rid

— simple. (@ScallyWagStep) October 28, 2026

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell Get a new striker

— T (@tobitobee_) October 28, 2026

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell I’m tired of this sesko experiment tbh

— essy (@Esther069812361) October 28, 2026

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell The bad news keeps coming https://t.co/NyMqyeSEiF

— KristianD (@munitedNORsupp) October 28, 2026

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell Get someone on a free !

— 🇾🇪ɬɛɖɬɧɛཞɛɖ🇾🇪 (@Bigted_78) October 28, 2026

@UnitedStandMUFC @lauriewhitwell Good job we bought that back up striker every man and his dog knew we needed 😮‍💨

— Ryan Thorne (@RyanThornexo) October 28, 2026

How many matches could Sesko miss?

As things stand, the 23-year-old has been ruled out for at least 13 fixtures in all competitions. He will be sidelined for the league games against Chelsea, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Brentford, Newcastle United, Coventry, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

Sesko will also be absent for 3 Champions League group matches versus Roma, Sporting Lisbon and RB Leipzig. He could potentially miss more if his recovery doesn’t go to plan.

Could Man Utd sign a striker?

If Sesko does return at the beginning of January, then there would be no need to sign a replacement in the next transfer window.

Of course, Director of Football Jason Wilcox could delve into the free agent market, but the options available are seriously limited.

Karim Benzema is technically unattached, but it is believed that he can’t play outside of Saudi Arabia due to a clause in a promotional contract he signed with the Middle Eastern country.

Mauro Icardi is also available, but the 33-year-old hasn’t played any football since May, and he has plenty of off-field baggage that would likely deter United from making a move for him.

There is also an argument to say that he wouldn’t be an upgrade on Joshua Zirkzee at this stage of his career either.

If Sesko’s injury problems continue to plague him through January, though, United may look to bring someone in, especially if Zirkzee departs.