Benjamin Sesko's shin injury is 'not something anyone should be concerned about', with the Manchester United striker hoping to be available for this weekend's trip to Sunderland. The Slovenia international is nearing the end of his debut season in England, having scored his 12th goal of the campaign in Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool.
Incident During Liverpool Clash
Midway through the first half at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old was chasing a long ball towards the byline when he was shoved by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. The collision sent Sesko tumbling down the notorious dip in the pitch, crashing through a pitch-side microphone and into the advertising boards. He did not emerge for the second half, with Amad Diallo replacing him. Kobbie Mainoo's 77th-minute strike eventually sealed the win.
Carrick's Assessment
Speaking after the game, United boss Michael Carrick confirmed that Sesko had suffered 'a bang on the shin', aggravating a pre-existing issue. 'He's been carrying a bit of a shin problem for some time, and it was when we got pushed into the hoarding and down the dip. So that was it,' Carrick explained. The victory secured United's place in next season's Champions League with three games to spare, but Carrick will want a strong finish to ensure he remains in charge next season. The team faces Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Expert Analysis
While Sesko was left in considerable pain last weekend, experts believe the injury is unlikely to keep him sidelined for long. Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs, which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics, told Metro: 'Shin problems can be generally one to three different things. They are all relatively similar. It is less likely to be something like shin splints. In long distance runners, or athletes that have exposure to big running distances very frequently, there can be a build-up of small micro-trauma along the muscles at the front of the shin, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is unlikely to be that.'
Smith added: 'He had a good bang on the shin. Swelling occurs, bruising occurs, then every time you try to run, you are irritating it. From the bone perspective, if you got a kick on the front of the shin it can cause significant bone bruising. The weight coming through your leg can cause a lot of irritation around that area. It is likely he had some trauma in that area recently, potentially some bone bruising, and as it was healing, he has just got a bang in the same place [against Liverpool] that means it will require some management.'
'If it is trauma-related or bruising-related, it can be painful but it is not a serious injury, not something anyone should be really concerned about. It is just about pain management. It is up to them to figure out if it is sore enough to the point where it is going to cause more inflammation and more discomfort. Or if the pain is easing enough to get through a game. But they will be managing all that; it is a very manageable injury.'
Carrick is expected to provide a further update on Sesko's condition when he speaks to the media on Friday afternoon. United fans will be hoping the striker recovers in time for the crucial run-in.
