Man United injury update: Benjamin Sesko a doubt for Tottenham as Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt close on returns
Manchester United head into the international break with Michael Carrick under pressure after one win in five. Benjamin Sesko's recurring shin issue is the main concern, while Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are edging towards a return for the Tottenham match on October 10.
- Fixture: Tottenham at Old Trafford, October 10
- Manager: Michael Carrick, one win in five after a flat draw at Fulham
- Main concern: Benjamin Sesko (shin) – no fixed return date
- Close to return: Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle), Matthijs de Ligt (back)
- Long-term absentees: Manuel Ugarte (ACL, out most of season), Tom Heaton (hamstring)
- Back: Luke Shaw (started at Fulham), Mason Mount (minutes)
Injury and availability
Manchester United have a mixed injury list heading into the international break. Some players are returning, others remain weeks away, and one – Benjamin Sesko – is causing the most concern.
Benjamin Sesko – shin
Sesko missed the 1-1 draw at Fulham with a shin problem. Carrick said after the game that the club are still assessing him and that he "definitely wasn't ready for today." There is no fixed return date. The shin issue troubled him at the end of last season and has flared up again.
Carlos Baleba – ankle
Baleba has yet to make his competitive debut after arriving with an ankle injury. He has returned to training and was included in the matchday squad at Fulham for the first time. The international break should help him build fitness, with Tottenham at home a realistic target.
Amad Diallo – ankle
Amad has not featured at all this season after suffering an ankle injury late in pre-season. The initial estimate was up to six weeks, and Carrick had already said recovery was measured in weeks rather than days. He should be pushing to return after the break.
Matthijs de Ligt – back
De Ligt has not played competitively since November 2025, when he suffered a lower back injury against Crystal Palace that required surgery. He missed the Netherlands' World Cup campaign. He travelled with the squad to Fulham, though was not in the matchday group – a sign his return is nearing.
Manuel Ugarte – ACL
Ugarte is facing a long road back after surgery on a ruptured ACL suffered at the World Cup earlier this summer. He is in rehabilitation at Carrington and is expected to miss most of the season. A realistic return sits in spring or summer 2027.
Tom Heaton – hamstring
Heaton remains out after a hamstring injury picked up in a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain. As third-choice goalkeeper, his absence does not shift the weekly narrative but adds to the unavailable list.
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount – back
Shaw recovered from a knock and started at Fulham. Mount got minutes back into his legs. Both are available.
What was said
"It was a pain in his shin."
"We're not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We're assessing him. He definitely wasn't ready for today."
Carrick's update on Sesko is deliberately vague, but it tells you enough. The club are still assessing him, there is no fixed return date, and Tottenham may arrive too soon if there is any lingering discomfort. Shin issues can drag if they are mishandled.
The broader message from Carrick is that United need bodies back quickly. With one win in five and a flat draw at Fulham, availability matters as much as form.
The numbers
- £70m – fee United paid for Carlos Baleba
- One win in five – Carrick's record
- October 10 – Tottenham at Old Trafford
- Up to six weeks – initial estimate for Amad Diallo's ankle injury
- November 2025 – De Ligt's last competitive appearance
- Spring/summer 2027 – expected Ugarte return
Deal details
Carlos Baleba arrived for £70m but has yet to make his competitive debut due to an ankle injury. No other transfers are reported in the source.
Why United's season hinges on the treatment room
Michael Carrick has one win in five and the mood around the squad is shaped as much by fitness as form. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount returning helps, but the core issues remain. Benjamin Sesko was signed to lead the line, stretch defences and give United presence in the box. Without him, United lack a focal point. The shin problem that troubled him at the end of last season has flared up again, and that is rarely what you want to hear with this type of issue.
Carlos Baleba is close, and that matters. United have looked leggy and loose in midfield at times. The £70m midfielder's return gives Carrick energy in the centre of the pitch. Amad Diallo would improve attacking depth. Matthijs de Ligt would restore authority and calm at the back – something United have lacked. If De Ligt is fit enough to contend for Tottenham, that is a serious boost.
But Manuel Ugarte is out for most of the season, and Tom Heaton remains unavailable. The next three weeks are about getting players fit and getting clarity. Tottenham at Old Trafford already looks important. If United want an upturn, they need more than better intentions. They need better players available.
Talking points
- Should Carrick risk Sesko against Tottenham if he is not fully fit, or protect him for the longer term?
- Is Baleba's £70m price tag justified if he has yet to make his competitive debut?
- Does De Ligt's return solve United's defensive issues, or will he need weeks to find match sharpness?
- With Ugarte out for most of the season, do United have enough midfield depth to cope?
What happens next
Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10. By then, Carrick will hope to have Baleba and Amad available, with De Ligt nearing contention. Sesko's shin issue remains the biggest question mark. The result and the fitness of key players will shape United's season.
Frequently asked questions
Will Benjamin Sesko be fit for Tottenham vs Man United?
Sesko is being assessed for a shin injury. Carrick said the club are "not sure with him yet" and that he "definitely wasn't ready" for the Fulham game. No return date has been set.
When will Carlos Baleba make his Manchester United debut?
Baleba has returned to training and was in the matchday squad against Fulham for the first time. The international break should help him build fitness, with Tottenham at home on October 10 a realistic target.
Is Matthijs de Ligt close to returning for Manchester United?
De Ligt has not played competitively since November 2025 due to a lower back injury that required surgery. He travelled with the squad to Fulham, though was not in the matchday group, suggesting his return is nearing.
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