Manchester United remain quietly optimistic about Benjamin Šeško’s condition after the striker was forced off with a knee injury during the Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Although the forward will miss Slovenia’s decisive World Cup qualifying fixtures, club officials believe the issue is not long-term, easing fears of a prolonged absence at a crucial stage of the season.
🚨🚨🎙️| Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kek on Benjamin Sesko injury:
— centredevils. (@centredevils) November 10, 2025
“With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents.
“We want our medical team to take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this… pic.twitter.com/Hb1QPERVQe
Early Exit Spurs Concern, But Internal Assessments Positive
Šeško played just half an hour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before going down awkwardly following a challenge from Micky van de Ven. Medical staff signaled for an immediate substitution after the forward complained of discomfort in his right knee. The striker was later seen leaving the stadium without crutches, yet there was visible stiffness in his movement.
Head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged after the match that knee injuries can be unpredictable and that a full evaluation would be required. Inside Carrington, however, United sources have indicated that early assessments suggest no catastrophic damage. The club is distancing itself from suggestions that the striker could miss months of action, instead expecting a shorter recovery period once swelling subsides and scans confirm the diagnosis.
Absence Hits Slovenia as World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance
The timing of the injury is particularly damaging for the Slovenian national team. Šeško has been pivotal throughout their qualifying campaign, and Slovenia now face critical matches against Kosovo and Sweden with play-off hopes at stake. United informed the Slovenian FA that the 22-year-old would not be released for international duty and would remain in Manchester for medical supervision.
Slovenia’s coaching staff had hoped to have their leading forward available, but the risk of aggravation outweighed the potential reward. The loss of Šeško’s physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing ability forces Slovenia to reorganize their attack in two fixtures they must win to remain in contention.
United’s Winter Plans Remain Stable Despite AFCON Departures
News of Šeško’s injury initially triggered fears that United could face a forward crisis in the coming months. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all expected to join their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, stretching depth across multiple positions. With fixtures piling up on domestic and European fronts, the club cannot afford to lose its primary striker for an extended spell.
However, the mood among United officials is calm. The absence is not expected to affect transfer strategy, and there is currently no indication that the club will alter its plans ahead of the winter window. Should medical scans confirm the early optimism, Šeško will likely resume light training before the end of the month, with a full reintegration expected soon after.
Lisandro Martínez Returns to Training, Eases Defensive Concerns
While the focus has been on Šeško, Manchester United received a significant boost with the return of Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine defender has rejoined team training after major knee surgery in February and is nearing competitive action. The club has agreed for Martínez to link up with the Argentina squad at their European base, although he will not feature in their friendly against Angola.
Amorim has refused to rush the centre-back into matches, mindful of his previous setbacks. Martínez has endured multiple long-term injuries since his arrival from Ajax in 2022, and United officials believe a controlled approach is essential. A member of the performance and conditioning staff will travel with the defender to maintain continuity in his recovery programme.
United view the trip as beneficial for the player’s mentality and chemistry with national teammates, especially as it does not involve long-haul travel. Should Martínez respond well over the break, he could be back in contention for club selection shortly after returning to Manchester.
Injury Management Strategy Shows Signs of Stability
After a season marked by recurring setbacks across the squad, United’s medical department has adopted a more conservative and preventative approach. Players returning from significant injuries are being phased back more gradually, and the club is reluctant to take risks during busy stretches of the season.
Šeško’s current situation reflects that shift. Instead of pushing for an early international return, United have prioritized full recovery. The striker remains under close observation at Carrington, where the medical team will monitor inflammation and stability before determining a training schedule. The club will not provide a public return date until final test results are complete, but internal messaging suggests confidence rather than urgency.
What Comes Next for Šeško and Manchester United
In the short term, Šeško will focus on rehabilitation under club supervision. Slovenia, meanwhile, must pursue qualification without their most dynamic forward. The player’s condition will be reassessed throughout the international break, with updates expected once medical scans offer a clearer picture.
For United, the bigger picture remains encouraging. The squad is close to welcoming Martínez back into matchday involvement, attacking depth remains stable, and Šeško is not expected to face a lengthy spell out. The balance between caution and competitiveness appears carefully managed.
Key Points at a Glance
- Šeško taken off after 30 minutes versus Tottenham with a knee issue
- United do not expect a long-term injury despite Slovenia absence
- Slovenia face crucial qualifiers without their star striker
- AFCON departures will reduce squad numbers, but United are not panicking
- Lisandro Martínez back in training and will join Argentina camp without playing
- Rehabilitation approach reflects United’s stricter injury management model
Manchester United entered November with renewed optimism about squad stability, and early indications suggest that confidence is justified. If medical assessments continue to trend positively, Benjamin Šeško’s absence may be brief — a crucial development for a team with demanding fixtures and ambitions on multiple fronts.
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🚨🎥 | Video footage of Benjamin Sesko leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday. 🤕
— (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra_) November 9, 2025
pic.twitter.com/odKDzFvflf
Conclusion
Manchester United appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario. Early signs suggest Benjamin Šeško’s injury will not cause long-term disruption, allowing the club to navigate a demanding fixture list with relative stability. Slovenia will feel his absence during vital qualifiers, but United’s focus remains firmly on a controlled recovery and a swift return to training.
With Lisandro Martínez edging closer to competitive action, United move into the winter period with renewed defensive strength and optimism. The combination of positive medical updates, structured injury management, and squad depth puts the club in a stronger position than initial fears suggested.
