According to a report by The Sun on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Manchester United fear Benjamin Sesko could be sidelined until the new year after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.

The Slovenian striker has been out for five weeks with an issue separate from the shin injury that reportedly troubled him for six months.

According to The Sun, the 23-year-old has been undergoing further medical checks at United’s Carrington training complex, with concerns that his absence could extend for several months.

While sources close to Sesko remain hopeful that he will not be out until February, there are fears that the forward could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The situation represents a potential setback for head coach Michael Carrick, who may need to reassess his attacking options if Sesko is unavailable for an extended period.

Sesko scored 12 goals during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, making him an important option in United’s forward line.

The club could now consider signing another striker during the January transfer window. United did not recruit a backup centre-forward in the summer after failing to find a solution for Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled for regular starts under Carrick.

Bryan Mbeumo has also been used through the middle after Matheus Cunha initially filled the striker role this season. Mbeumo is currently United’s joint-top scorer with four goals, according to the report.

Carrick has acknowledged that the club is working to establish a clearer picture of Sesko’s condition.

“We’re hoping really soon that we’ll have a clear picture,” he said on Tuesday, adding that he hoped to provide a more detailed update by the end of the week.

For now, United are waiting for greater clarity over the striker’s recovery, with his potential extended absence likely to influence the club’s plans for the coming months.