Benjamin Sesko is not in the squad for Manchester United’s final pre-season match against AC Milan this afternoon.
The Slovenia international has not played a minute of the pre-season campaign, missing all six games ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener against Hull City.
After a relatively slow start, Sesko shone following Michael Carrick’s arrival at Old Trafford last season, starring in the super-sub role.
He scored his 12th goal of the season in the victory over Liverpool in May but it proved to be his last contribution for the season.
Get the latest transfer news every morning
Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won’t be around next season.
The former RB Leipzig star aggravated a shin injury in that game, taking a nasty tumble down the infamous Old Trafford dip around the pitch, crashing into the advertising boards.
At the time, it wasn’t thought to have been a serious issue. But almost four months later, he is still to return having also had a whole summer off to recover.
In addition to Sesko, Mason Mount is also not involved against Milan in Poland after coming off in the 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain with a knock.
Will Sesko be fit for Man Utd’s season opener against Hull?
Even if passed fit, it seems unlikely Sesko will be deemed ready to lead the line for United at the MKM Stadium against Hull next Saturday afternoon.
The striker has not played since that game against Liverpool in May. Carrick often favoured the 23-year-old coming off the bench last season and he may have to settle for that role again with no pre-season under his belt.
Bryan Mbeumo has led the line this summer and has looked fit, sharp and effective in that role through the middle. The Cameroon international seems the leading contender to start up top next weekend.