Manchester United are facing increased injury pressure after striker Benjamin Šeško suffered a lower-leg problem that could keep him out for an extended period.

Key takeaways

• Šeško could be unavailable until the turn of the year, with February also mentioned as a possible return point.
• The Slovenia international has aggravated an issue in the same shin area that caused him trouble last season.
• Manager Michael Carrick says United are still waiting for a definitive diagnosis and recovery schedule.
• Patrick Dorgu is also expected to miss several weeks, while Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw have dealt with fitness issues.
• United may review their forward options before the January transfer window if Šeško’s lay-off is confirmed to be lengthy.

United await clarity on Šeško’s condition

The Slovenian striker has already sat out several games after suffering another setback to his lower leg. The problem is understood to involve the same shin region affected during the previous campaign.

There is concern that Šeško’s recovery may stretch beyond the early part of the new year and potentially into February, although United have not yet established a final timescale.

Carrick had previously explained that the club’s medical staff were continuing to evaluate the injury before confirming how long the forward would be unavailable.

“We hope to have a clear picture very soon,” Carrick said, stressing that more assessments were required before United could provide a firmer update on the striker’s expected return.

Growing squad problems and transfer implications

Šeško’s injury compounds a difficult situation for United, who are also without defender Patrick Dorgu for a number of weeks. Mainoo and Shaw have additionally faced their own fitness concerns.

The 12 goals Šeško scored in his first season at Old Trafford underline the scale of the possible loss. Should his absence prove long-term, United could be forced to reconsider their attacking plans ahead of the January window.