Sesko's shin concern and Amad's ankle rehab headline United's international break injury update

Manchester United face a nervy international break after Benjamin Sesko, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and Amad all withdrew from their national squads through injury, with the club now working to determine the extent of Sesko’s shin problem ahead of their October 10 fixture against Tottenham.

Sesko is the most pressing concern. The striker is suffering from shin pain — the same issue he played through last season before being ruled out for the final three games of the campaign and the entirety of pre-season. United are assessing the problem before devising a treatment plan, and the timeline for his return remains unclear.

Amad is further along in his recovery from an ankle injury sustained on the eve of the season opener against Hull. The winger had been expected to miss up to six weeks, which would put him in contention to return after the international break if his rehabilitation continues on schedule. His return would offer a timely boost to a squad that has taken just five points from its opening five Premier League games.

While most players not on international duty have been given the week off, a handful — including those managing injuries — have been reporting to Carrington for individual work and light training sessions with coaches and staff. The broader squad is expected to reconvene next week ahead of the Tottenham match.

Manager Michael Carrick acknowledged the slow start but pushed back against any suggestion of a crisis within the group after last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Fulham. “It’s still a big season ahead, to be fair,” he said. “It’s a long season, you’re going to have spells through a season. That’s part of the journey. It’s not a sprint, it’s a long effort.”

Carrick added that the mood inside the club remained positive despite the results. “Deflation, I think, is certainly not what we have within the club and within the group. The players didn’t have that on the pitch today and that’s what will carry us through the season, without doubt.”

The 20-day gap between games gives United’s medical staff time to build a clearer picture of Sesko’s condition in particular, with the club keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s prolonged absence.