Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar has voiced strong bewilderment and frustration regarding Manchester United's management of striker Benjamin Sesko's fitness.
Sesko has been absent from several international call-ups for Slovenia since October. This recurring absence is particularly perplexing as the young forward has consistently been available for and featured regularly in Manchester United's Premier League fixtures during these same periods.
The most recent instance involved a shin injury that Sesko sustained during a match against Liverpool. Following this, Slovenia made the decision not to include him in their squad for recent friendly matches against Cyprus and Croatia. This decision was reportedly based on medical reports provided by Manchester United.
Cesar has pointed out a concerning pattern where Sesko appears to recover remarkably quickly for his club matches, often making himself available shortly after being ruled out for national team duty. He has openly questioned the rationale and medical assessments that lead to these swift recoveries for United, but not for his country.
This ongoing conflict between club and country commitments is not new and predates Cesar's time as manager. However, it continues to create significant strain on the relationship between the Slovenian Football Association and Manchester United.
The national team is undeniably placed at a disadvantage due to the repeated unavailability of one of its key attacking talents. While Manchester United might perceive a benefit from having their player available for all club fixtures, the escalating discontent within the Slovenian camp indicates that this dispute is unlikely to be resolved amicably in the near future.
The situation leaves the Slovenian FA in a difficult position, potentially needing to plan future campaigns without their star striker. The repeated instances raise questions about transparency and cooperation between the two parties.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding a resolution that respects both the player's well-being and the needs of both his club and country, though currently, the outlook appears contentious.
