Manchester United have reportedly learned how long they will have to do without striker Benjamin Sesko, in news that could impact on a potential swoop for a new No.9 in the January transfer window.<\/p>\n
The Slovenian has struggled to make a significant impact at Old Trafford since making a \u00a373.7million (\u20ac85m, $98m) move from RB Leipzig over the summer, scoring just twice in 12 appearances in all competitions this far.<\/p>\n
His frustrating start to life at Man Utd<\/a> grew even worse as he was withdrawn with a knee injury late in the dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.<\/p>\n Sesko<\/a> was brought on to replace Noussair Mazraoui just before the hour mark, but after going down injured in the 85th minute, he came off and headed straight down the tunnel.<\/p>\n Speaking about the striker\u2019s injury at the time, Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim said: \u201cSesko\u2019s form] is not the biggest concern now. I\u2019m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n Well, that \u2018let\u2019s see\u2019 now has some clarification after a report in The Times claims that Sesko will be sidelined for a matter of a \u2018few weeks\u2019 and not months, as had first been feared.<\/p>\n While a \u2018few weeks\u2019 is not an exact timeline of how long the 22-year-old could be on the sidelines for, he is still expected to miss a number of games in the run-up to the busy festive period of fixtures.<\/p>\n Despite his faltering form, Sesko\u2019s absence is a considerable blow for Amorim, whose only alternative as an out-and-out striker is the wantaway Joshua Zirkzee.<\/p>\n Academy prospect Chido Obi, 17, is also waiting in the wings, but he is yet to make a senior appearance this season, meaning Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha could serve as more likely deputies through the middle.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS \u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0Adam Wharton v Carlos Baleba: The stats behind Man Utd midfield targets\u2019 direct battle in Crystal Palace v Brighton<\/a><\/p>\n Man Utd door opens for Zirkzee, but striker hunt continues<\/p>\n TEAMtalk can reveal that Sesko\u2019s injury has opened the door for Zirkzee, however, even though the Netherlands international is not in Amorim\u2019s long-term plans.<\/p>\n Our insider, Dean Jones, states that Zirkzee is working during the international break with the expectation that he will get a chance in the side against Everton in United\u2019s next outing.<\/p>\n While the\u00a024-year-old would love to be involved for the Netherlands at the World Cup next year, for now, he is just fully focusing on his club situation.<\/p>\n However, the addition of another forward player cannot be completely ruled out in January, especially with\u00a0Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo both due to be away at the Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n Indeed, it was reported on Wednesday that United are in the mix to sign highly-rated Brazilian striker\u00a0Vitor Roque<\/a>, who is also on the radars of Tottenham and Chelsea.<\/p>\n Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is another name continually linked with a move to Old Trafford<\/a>, as Amorim looks for more goals from the No.9 position.<\/p>\n However, for now, it looks like Sesko could be back sooner than was first anticipated, in what is at least some good news for United heading into a January window where they could focus on adding much-needed midfield additions instead.<\/p>\n Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel<\/a> to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox. <\/p>\n Latest Man Utd news: Baleba \u2018wants move\u2019; Casemiro future update\u00a0<\/p>\n A second source has joined David Ornstein in confirming Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba wants the move to Manchester United<\/a> \u2013 but our sources are indicating Ruben Amorim now prefers three midfield alternatives amid frustrations over the Seagulls\u2019 asking price.<\/p>\n Elsewhere,\u00a0Fabrizio Romano has revealed whether or not Ruben Amorim wants to keep Casemiro at the club, with the transfer guru also backing TEAMtalk\u2019s report about the condition for the Brazil international midfielder to continue at Old Trafford<\/a>.<\/p>\n