Benjamin Sesko out until January 2027 with shin problems
Manchester United travels to face Chelsea amid an eight-game winless run and a mounting injury crisis. The team’s 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth deepened the struggles under Michael Carrick, leaving the squad depleted as they prepare to visit Stamford Bridge.
Benjamin Sesko Faces Long-Term Absence Until January
The most severe personnel setback involves Benjamin Sesko. The striker is sidelined with shin problems that will keep him out until January 2027 at the earliest, leaving the attack short-handed for at least two months. Sesko previously battled a similar issue during the 2025/26 season, which ended his campaign prematurely. Although he recovered to start the current season, his appearances became irregular before he vanished from the matchday squad ahead of the trip to Fulham and the subsequent international break. For a side struggling to score goals and apply pressure in the final third, losing a central target man removes a primary focal point.
Bruno Fernandes Returns Following Clear-the-Air Talks
In contrast to the long-term absences, Bruno Fernandes is expected to return for the Stamford Bridge fixture after being left out of the squad for the Bournemouth defeat. That omission followed a public dispute with Carrick after a heavy loss to Como. Carrick described leaving out Fernandes as a purely sporting decision, though Fernandes spent the team’s day off receiving treatment at Carrington alongside other injured players. Despite ongoing complaints, Fernandes is anticipated to feature as United looks to regain control and cutting edge in the final third.
Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw Deal with Persistent Issues
Marcus Rashford’s availability remains uncertain due to hip problems. Carrick stated that the club is actively managing the forward’s discomfort, but no confirmed return date has been established. Rashford was left as an unused substitute against Leeds following the international break before missing the matches against Como and Bournemouth entirely. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw’s recovery timeline is longer than that of teammate Kobbie Mainoo, though his injury has only been officially classified as a blessur. Shaw’s extended absence has forced Carrick to shuffle his defensive line, deploying right-backs on the left and center-backs on the right.
Kobbie Mainoo Nears Recovery While Others Remain Sidelined
Kobbie Mainoo offers a more encouraging timeline, having been sidelined since the draw against Tottenham. Carrick indicated prior to the Como fixture that Mainoo would return in approximately ten days, placing his potential comeback on track for the Chelsea match. Conversely, Patrick Dorgu continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with Denmark, with a return not expected until November. Manuel Ugarte faces the longest recovery timeline on the roster, having suffered a severe knee injury that required him to be stretchered off during Uruguay’s 0:1 defeat against Spain at the World Cup, pushing his anticipated return back to the spring or summer of 2027.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
