Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is confronting a significant shortage in his attacking options, with a fresh injury blow compounding the impending departure of key players for international duty.
Sesko Sidelined with Knee Injury
The club confirmed that Benjamin Sesko is expected to be out for approximately three weeks after sustaining a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham. The £73 million signing will definitely miss Monday's Premier League clash against Everton, as well as forthcoming matches against Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
Amorim expressed relief that the Slovenian striker has avoided a more serious problem. "He is going to stay a few weeks out, I don't know how long but it is not that serious," the manager stated. "We need to be careful with him. He is doing the recovery. He is doing better."
AFCON Departures Loom for Key Players
The injury crisis is set to deepen in early December when United are likely to lose three players to the Africa Cup of Nations. Top scorer Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and defender Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) could depart as early as 7 December and may be absent for up to six weeks.
This creates a particularly tight timeline, with Sesko's potential return date coinciding with their departures. "More or less at the same time, I don't want to say for sure but when they are going to the camp I expect to have Ben back," Amorim commented, highlighting the delicate balancing act he faces.
Amorim's Plea to National Federations
Facing a potential dearth of players for the key December fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Amorim revealed that the club is attempting to negotiate with the national football associations. The goal is to delay the release of Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui for a short period.
"We are doing our job to try to maintain the players a little bit longer, but it's not just in our hands," he admitted. "So we'll try to arrange something with the federations, but we need to respect their wills in this case." He further emphasised the strain on his squad, noting, "It's not ideal because they are so important in our team and we don't have a long squad."
Defensive Boost on the Horizon
Amid the attacking concerns, there is positive news in defence. Amorim confirmed that Lisandro Martinez is "coming close to being able to play" after a long absence since being stretchered off in February. However, the manager cautioned that the Argentine defender will need time to readjust, adding, "He's going to struggle in the first minutes, but he's clearly in a better position if you compare it to two weeks ago."
United will definitely be without Harry Maguire for the Everton game, while a decision on Kobbie Mainoo's return to the squad is still pending.
