Slovenia coach backs Sesko through 'difficult period' as shin injury forces international withdrawal

Benjamin Sesko has pulled out of the Slovenia squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia and Switzerland after suffering further pain in his shin — the same injury that disrupted his entire pre-season at Manchester United.

Slovenia head coach Bostjan Cesar acknowledged the situation publicly, telling Planet Nagomet that the 21-year-old striker is going through a testing stretch. “This isn’t an easy time for Benjamin,” Cesar said. “He is going through a difficult period in his career, as we know he hasn’t suffered many injuries in the past. It is an atypical injury that requires time to heal.”

Sesko originally sustained the problem during Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool in May, missing the entirety of pre-season as a result. United manager Michael Carrick took a measured approach to his return, handing him a start in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, where he was substituted on 66 minutes. The following weekend, Sesko did not travel to London for the Premier League clash against Fulham, with Carrick confirming on Sunday that the shin had flared up again.

On Monday, Sesko announced his international withdrawal on Instagram. “I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team’s upcoming matches,” he wrote. “Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again.”

The forward has faced scrutiny in Slovenia, having last represented his country in October last year against Switzerland in World Cup qualifying. Cesar, however, was firm in his defence of the striker. “The most important thing now is for Sesko to surround himself with people he trusts and believes in, and for everyone around him to remain positive. That is what he needs — time and good rehabilitation. And Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully healthy.”

Cesar also addressed the pressures that come with playing for a club of United’s stature. “We know that when you play for such a big club, things like this happen,” he said. “Naturally, there was no such criticism when he was fit and scoring goals. He is a professional. He is a young player, and things are moving incredibly fast in his life — but he has already made the mental shift.”