Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a significant update on the fitness of his star summer signing, Benjamin Sesko, confirming the striker avoided a catastrophic knee injury but will still be sidelined for several weeks.
Sesko's Injury Scare and Recovery Timeline
The £73.7 million forward was forced off during United's dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the pitch in clear discomfort. Amorim admitted he initially feared the worst for his prized asset that night.
However, subsequent assessments have revealed a less severe problem. Sesko has now withdrawn from the Slovenia national team to begin his rehabilitation at the club's Carrington training base.
'He is going to be out for a few weeks, I don't know how long, but it is not so bad,' Amorim stated. 'We have to be careful with him. He is going to recover, he is doing the recovery and he is feeling better. In a few weeks, I hope to have Ben back.'
Squad Updates and Impending AFCON Departures
Sesko was one of three notable absentees from Friday morning's training session. Harry Maguire will definitely play no part in Monday night's clash with Everton, but there is more positive news regarding Kobbie Mainoo.
'Kobbie has not trained today, but I think tomorrow we can see Kobbie, we will see,' Amorim said, indicating the youngster is close to a return.
The immediate concern is Sesko's absence, which leaves United without a recognised number nine and likely means Matheus Cunha will lead the line. The bigger worry, however, is the impending African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which threatens to decimate United's much-improved attack.
Navigating the AFCON Exodus
Key attackers Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) are set to depart for the tournament, along with defender Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco).
Under FIFA regulations, clubs must release players two weeks before their nation's first tournament match. Mbeumo's Cameroon and Amad's Ivory Coast both play on December 24th, while Mazraoui's Morocco faces Comoros on December 21st.
Amorim acknowledged the challenge, stating the club will try to retain their players for as long as possible amidst the busy festive fixture list. 'We are doing our job to try to keep the players we have for a little bit more time, but it is not only in our hands, we have to respect it,' he explained.
This situation is expected to open the door for academy prospects like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who trained with the first team on Friday. Amorim expressed confidence in utilising the club's youth setup, saying, 'Our academy is for this moment and we will be ready.'
