Manchester United Faces Backlash After Benjamin Sesko Suffers Injury Blow
Slovenia's head coach Matjaž Kek has criticized Manchester United for poor communication regarding the injury that caused striker Benjamin Šeško to pull out of national team duties.
Šeško, Slovenia's leading player, was included in Kek's roster for the November matches just days before hobbling off during United's 2–2 tie with Tottenham Hotspur due to a knee problem, after entering as a substitute early in the second period.
United announced Šeško would miss international assignments, but specifics about the forward's condition had not reached Kek, who expressed his displeasure with United's management of the matter during Monday's media briefing.
"With complete respect for such a prestigious club as Manchester United, we have officially received nothing so far; no paperwork, no documentation," Kek revealed.
"We would definitely appreciate receiving them. We want our medical staff to examine it as well. Our physician is a specialist in this area. We don't have just anyone in this role.
"I cannot provide commentary, naturally I have certain information and I am also communicating with Beni. I can't elaborate because officially we know nothing whatsoever. United haven't reached out to anyone from our side. Naturally, I am worried about the player. The only thing that concerns me is his health.
"We are ready to do everything for that and we have never fielded anyone if there was even the smallest danger."
Kek's remarks were subsequently followed by a frustrated statement from Slovenia's Football Association, who verified that United had finally provided the necessary paperwork after the team's initial training session on Monday.
Man Utd 'Optimistic' Over Sesko Recovery Timeline
United have not provided any official update regarding the extent of Šeško's situation, announcing only that he would be unavailable for national team service. Slovenia's announcement confirmed further examinations were being scheduled by United for early this week.
Multiple sources, including The Athletic, report an encouraging message from the club that Šeško has not sustained a major problem and will not require an extended period away from action beyond this international window.
Additionally, United confirmed midfielder Casemiro, who was also substituted against Spurs with 20 minutes remaining, has linked up with Brazil's national team, alleviating concerns about an injury.
The experienced midfielder has traveled to South America along with center-back Lisandro Martínez, who has been authorized to practice with Argentina's squad during the final phases of his rehabilitation from a severe knee injury.