Sesko limped off during United’s draw with Tottenham two weeks ago, and while the club hoped the issue was minor, the 22-year-old was nowhere to be seen at Carrington on Friday, increasing fears he may miss the trip to Goodison Park.

He was not the only notable absentee. Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo were also missing from the open session, leaving Ruben Amorim with potential selection problems as United looks to restart their campaign with momentum.

Since breaking into the starting XI, Sesko has quickly become Amorim’s preferred option up front, with the United manager regularly choosing him over traditional No.9 alternatives or fielding a striker-less system. Without him, United could be forced to reshuffle.

Joshua Zirkzee is an option, though he has played just 90 league minutes this season, while Matheus Cunha has been used as a false nine in high-profile matches. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are also candidates to form a fluid front line, though Mbeumo himself is set to miss several matches in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amorim admitted earlier this month that Sesko’s injury, combined with upcoming international absences, may force United into the market once the January window opens.

The United manager said the club must be ready to “repair” gaps in the squad if the injury persists, though he stressed that final decisions would depend on medical assessments in the coming days.

One positive for United is the form of Mason Mount, who impressed off the bench in the draw with Spurs, creating several openings in the final stages. The midfielder could return to the starting XI should Amorim opt for a more fluid attacking structure.

Amorim is expected to provide a full update in his pre-match press conference later today, but Sesko’s training-ground absence will undoubtedly raise alarms as United face a challenging run of fixtures.