Benjamin Sesko Injury Update: Manchester United Striker Expected to Return Before New Season

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is reportedly on track to return to full fitness before the start of the new Premier League campaign after recovering from a shin injury.

The 23-year-old forward has missed United’s opening two pre-season fixtures against Wrexham and Rosenborg as he continues to follow an individual rehabilitation programme designed to ensure he is fully prepared for competitive action.

Sources at United’s Carrington training base have indicated that Sesko’s recovery is progressing as expected and that his absence from the early friendly matches was always part of the club’s planned approach. The striker was never expected to feature during the opening stages of pre-season because of his ongoing recovery process.

Sesko was already managing a shin issue before the summer break and suffered an aggravation of the problem during Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool on May 3. Although the injury required careful management, there are currently no major concerns regarding his availability for the beginning of the new season.

The club’s medical staff are believed to be satisfied with his progress, and Sesko is expected to gradually return to team training before stepping back onto the pitch in pre-season action.

The striker is likely to make his first appearance of the summer against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8. Following that fixture, United will travel from Sweden to Dublin for a six-day training camp as preparations for the new campaign continue.

Manchester United are scheduled to face Leeds United at Croke Park on August 12, which will be one of their final warm-up matches before beginning their Premier League season against Hull City on August 22.

Sesko’s temporary absence has created opportunities for other attacking players, with Joshua Zirkzee starting United’s first two pre-season matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg.

However, Zirkzee’s position at the club remains uncertain. Despite featuring in the early friendlies, United are reportedly open to moving the Dutch striker on this summer as part of their squad reshaping plans.

A permanent transfer appears difficult, though, because United would need to receive around £21 million to avoid making a financial loss on the forward. Zirkzee joined the club from Bologna in July 2024 for a fee of approximately £36.5 million.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from several Serie A clubs since arriving at Old Trafford, with a loan move back to Italy considered a realistic possibility. Such an arrangement would allow Zirkzee to gain regular playing time while giving United flexibility in managing their attacking options.

Despite uncertainty surrounding Zirkzee, Manchester United remain keen to strengthen their forward line. The club want to bring in another striker who can provide additional support and competition for Sesko throughout the season.

One player linked with a potential return to Old Trafford has been former United forward Danny Welbeck. The Brighton striker enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 14 goals across all competitions.

Welbeck has previously expressed openness to the possibility of returning to Manchester United, where he developed through the academy before becoming a first-team player.

However, United have denied reports suggesting they had made contact with the experienced forward before Chelsea entered the race for his signature.

Chelsea have now shown interest in Welbeck, who is entering the final year of his contract at Brighton. The London club are exploring attacking options and view the 35-year-old as a player who could provide experience, leadership, and reliable goal contributions.

For United, the priority remains ensuring Sesko is fully fit and ready to lead the attack when the competitive season begins. The club invested heavily in the young striker and see him as a key part of their long-term plans.

Sesko’s physical profile, pace, finishing ability, and potential for further development were major reasons behind United’s decision to build their attacking strategy around him. However, the club is aware that relying on one striker throughout a demanding Premier League season carries risks.

The return of Sesko before the opening league fixture would therefore provide a significant boost for manager and supporters alike.

Pre-season friendlies are being used carefully by United’s coaching staff to improve fitness levels, introduce tactical ideas, and assess squad options. While results in these matches are not considered the main priority, ensuring players are physically ready for the Premier League schedule is essential.

Sesko’s absence from the first two games was therefore viewed as a precaution rather than a setback, with the club focused on avoiding any further complications.

The forward’s expected return against PSG would give United fans their first opportunity to see him in action ahead of the new season. It will also allow the coaching team to evaluate how quickly he can regain match sharpness after his injury.

With the Premier League opener against Hull City approaching, United will continue monitoring Sesko’s condition while making decisions regarding their attacking depth.

The club’s transfer strategy suggests they are still looking for another striker, but the fitness of Sesko remains one of the most important factors in their preparations.

If his rehabilitation continues successfully, Manchester United should have their main attacking option available when the competitive campaign begins — providing a major boost as they look to improve on last season’s performances.