Man United striker Benjamin Sesko sends message to fans after latest injury setback | OneFootball

Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko has pledged to commit fully to his rehabilitation after being sidelined by a recurring shin problem.

The 23-year-old completed a move to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last August in a deal worth 76.5 million euros (£66.3m) with a further 8.5m euros (£7.4m) in potential add-ons.

Sesko netted 12 goals in a promising debut campaign before it was cut short by a shin injury in May, which forced him to miss all of United’s pre-season friendlies.

The striker featured in the opening six fixtures of the new season, scoring twice, before a recurrence of shin pain kept him out of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham and international duty with Slovenia.

"I am very sorry that I will have to miss the next matches of the national team," Sesko posted on Instagram.

Sesko missed United's weekend draw at Fulham (Getty)

"I have always played for Slovenia and will always play with heart and pride. The most important thing now is to fully dedicate myself to recovery.

"I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again.

"I believe in our boys, and I am sure that they will show the team spirit that has always adorned us this time.

"I can’t wait to be able to wear the jersey with the national emblem again and, until then, I will be Slovenia’s biggest fan."

Slovenia face Scotland at home on Saturday before ending the three-week international window with the reverse fixture at Hampden Park, with a home match against North Macedonia and a trip to Switzerland scheduled in between as the Nations League begins.

United return to competitive action on October 10 when fellow strugglers Tottenham visit Old Trafford, ahead of demanding away matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como.

Losing Sesko for those fixtures would represent a significant blow for Michael Carrick’s side, who chose not to bring in another out-and-out striker over the summer.

Asked if United ought to have signed cover given the circumstances, the head coach said after the Fulham game: "No, I think that just because you get setbacks in certain positions, you can’t sign a player for cover in every one.

"We’re not sure with Ben yet, he felt some pain after the game (against Brighton in the Carabao Cup) and we are assessing him at the moment.

"He definitely wasn’t ready for (Sunday). I haven’t got any more news to give you, just that he felt pain on his shin."

Sesko is one of four United players who have withdrawn from international duty. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad, while Karl Darlow did not link up with Wales.

The Premier League club confirmed: "Each of the players will be assessed and undergo individual recovery plans during the current three-week international break."