Manchester United will be without striker Benjamin Sesko for their Premier League visit to Fulham due to a lingering shin injury. The 23-year-old, who has not started a league game this season, did not travel with the squad for the match at Craven Cottage.

Michael Carrick, the United manager, confirmed the absence was for a "little bit of an assessment" on the issue. Sesko first sustained the shin problem during a challenge from Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate back in May, an injury that kept him out of pre-season and the final weeks of last term. "We just need a little bit longer, longer than usual, because if you start too early, it might appear again," Carrick said.

Injury timeline and Carrick's caution

Sesko had recently returned to action, starting and scoring in a Champions League match against Sabah FK and featuring in the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. He was substituted in the second half of that cup defeat and subsequently felt pain. Despite earlier optimism from the player himself, "I think waiting a little bit longer was a great decision, and now it’s healed, so it’s perfect," Sesko said after the Sabah game, the discomfort returned, prompting renewed caution from the medical staff.

His absence means Matheus Cunha retained the starting role up front for United, with Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo also in attack. The visitors did welcome back Luke Shaw from a three-match absence of his own, while summer signing Carlos Baleba was named on the bench after recovering from an ankle issue.

Context of the clash

The teams last met just days ago, playing out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. In that match, Fulham took a lead through a Lisandro Martínez own goal before Matheus Cunha's late equaliser for United in the 84th minute. That result left Fulham 19th in the Premier League table with just two points from their opening five games.

United's own form has been poor, sitting just above Fulham in the relegation zone with only two points as well. Their struggles highlight the significance of every available player, making Sesko's continued unavailability a notable setback for Carrick's side ahead of a busy period.

What's next for Fulham

Marco Silva's Fulham showed resilience to earn that point against United and will look to carry that fight into their next assignment. After the international break, they travel to face Ipswich Town, who currently sit 11th, on October 10. The break may also aid Fulham's own recovery, with Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney currently sidelined. Fans can check the latest team news on our injuries page and the full schedule on our fixtures list.

The immediate focus, however, remains on the rematch with a depleted United. Fulham's starting lineup is expected to be similar, with Bernd Leno in goal and a defence marshalled by captain Calvin Bassey. The team will be aiming to convert a solid draw into a much-needed victory to climb away from the danger zone.

More detail at si.com