Benjamin Sesko injury: Manchester United play down severity of striker’s injury

This sparked fears of an extended absence, which could coincide with the departure of fellow forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo – plus defender Noussair Mazraoui – for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

However, while the full extent of Sesko’s injury and the length of his absence will not be confirmed until further tests have taken place at United’s Carrington training ground, the club are privately distancing themselves from concerns the 22-year-old could be sidelined for months.

He will miss Slovenia’s pivotal matches against Kosovo and Sweden, which they need to win to stand any chance of securing a World Cup play-off berth.

Martinez, meanwhile, has returned to training with Amorim’s squad and is closing in on a return after having major knee surgery in February.

Amorim has not called the defender into his matchday squad just yet, and is determined to take it easy on a player who has endured a number of long-term injuries since his arrival from Ajax in 2022.

United feel Martinez will benefit from linking up with his international colleagues, especially as it does not involve extensive travel. It is understood a member of United’s performance team will travel with Martinez during his time away.