Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is expected to be out until at least January with a shin injury.
The 23-year-old has not featured for the club since their defeat by Brighton in the Carabao Cup on 16 September, when he was substituted in the 66th minute.
The Slovenia international required multiple tests to try to get to the bottom of the problem, with manager Michael Carrick frequently asking when he will be fit to return.
Sources say the issue is not shin splints but an impact injury, which is not quite the same as the initial problem.
Sesko missed all of pre-season with the complaint, which also plagued him last season and flared up against Liverpool in May, causing him to miss the final three Premier League matches.
Since joining United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £73.7m in August 2025, Sesko has made 38 appearances in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and one assist.
Despite missing eight matches, he was their joint-highest goalscorer (11) in the Premier League last season alongside Bryan Mbeumo.
His absence has been keenly felt as it has robbed Carrick of his only orthodox number nine.
Sesko has scored two goals this term, against Everton in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League. After that match he spoke about his relief at being injury free. Sadly that did not last.
Sesko will now miss crucial Premier League games, including meetings with Liverpool and Arsenal, and at least three matches in the Champions League.
It remains to be seen if the problem forces United to make a move in the January transfer window as a relative lack of an orthodox forward has been cited as a reason for their chronic recent form.
United are currently languishing in 16th place, with their only league win against Ipswich on 30 August, and are without a win in all competitions since 10 September.
Following last Wednesday’s 4-1 loss against Como in the Champions League, captain Bruno Fernandes criticised the tactics of manager Carrick.
The Portugal international was an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday, but the pair have reportedly held clear-the-air talks on Tuesday.
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked following the Bournemouth defeat, but will take charge against Chelsea on Saturday (12:30 GMT).