Manchester United could be facing a significant blow with Benjamin Sesko potentially sidelined for crucial upcoming matches, even if his knee injury proves to be minor. The 22-year-old striker picked up the knock in the final moments of last weekend's 2-2 stalemate against Tottenham.
With all substitutions already made by boss Ruben Amorim, United were left a man down for the final minutes. Spurs seemed poised to capitalise on this when Richarlison deftly redirected a Wilson Odobert shot past United's keeper Senne Lammens, only for Matthijs de Ligt to net a dramatic equaliser at the eleventh hour.
Injuries took centre stage at Ruben Amorim's post-match press conference, though. After confirming problems for Harry Maguire and Casemiro, Amorim expressed concern over Sesko, saying: "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see."
While Sesko is expected to stay at Carrington during the November international break, sources suggest the injury may not be as severe as initially thought. Slovenia's manager Matjaz Kek, however, wants his country's medical team to examine Sesko before the year's final international break gets underway.
As quoted by Epika, Kek stated: "We want the player to be examined by our medical service. Our doctor is an expert in this field.
"Of course I'm worried about the player, the only thing I'm interested in is his well-being, we're ready to do everything for that and we've never sent anyone onto the field if there was the slightest risk.
"But the national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone. Slovenia deserves that, even if there's a superpower like England on the other side, and something as exceptional as the Premier League."
Despite having more than a fortnight to rest, given United don't return to league duties until Monday, November 24 against Everton, Sesko remains doubtful for selection.
Amorim's squad travel to Crystal Palace that weekend before hosting West Ham United just four days later. A rehabilitation timeframe of slightly over three weeks would mean Sesko sitting out all of those fixtures.
After that, another quick succession of matches awaits United in mid-December as they clash with Wolves on Monday, December 8 before welcoming Bournemouth to Old Trafford just a few days later.
The hectic festive period then kicks in with Amorim likely eager to have Sesko fit and available, particularly with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
During that spell, United face Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Wolves, Leeds United and Burnley across just 17 days. A serious knee injury could rule Sesko out of all those encounters, though optimism remains that he might return before the month's end.