Man Utd striker Benjamin Sesko is back “on the grass” as he builds up his fitness following a lengthy spell out with a shin injury.

Speaking on The Athletic‘s ‘Talk of the Devils’ podcast, journalist Laurie Whitwell confirmed that the club never expected the Slovenian international to be ready for the friendly against AC Milan.

There was plenty of speculation about Sesko’s absence from the matchday squad on Saturday, having failed to play a single minute for the Red Devils in pre-season. However, speaking before the match, Whitwell said there is still hope that he could feature against Hull City when the Premier League kicks off next weekend:

“The Sesko injury has gone on longer than anticipated, although I’m told he’s now on the grass with teammates for a couple of sessions. I think it’d be strange for him to go straight into a matchday squad without playing any preseason games.”

“But I think that’s the expectation, or at least the hope, that he can start getting involved in matchdays for the Premier League season to start.”

Why has it taken Sesko so long to make his return?

The forward aggravated an existing injury during the 3-2 win over Liverpool at the beginning of May.

Sesko was forced off at halftime after taking a tumble off the pitch following a shove from Ibrahima Konate.

His recovery was expected to take several months, but there was hope that he would be available for pre-season. It has taken longer than initially thought, but the fact that he is now in light training means he is closing in on his comeback.

If Sesko is named in the travelling party to face Hull, he may only get a few minutes off the bench, with Bryan Mbeumo likely to lead the line in his absence.

Latest Man Utd injury news

Mason Mount was ruled out for the Milan game, along with Sesko. The midfielder is continuing treatment on a foot injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain.

Karl Darlow (minor surgery), Tom Heaton (knock), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) also remain on the casualty list.

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