Quick Read
- Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have withdrawn from international duty for Cameroon and Slovenia, respectively.
- Both players will remain at Manchester United to manage recent fitness issues.
- The withdrawals allow the forwards to focus on recovery ahead of the Premier League run-in.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Manchester United forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have withdrawn from their respective international squads to manage recent fitness concerns, prioritizing their recovery ahead of the Premier League run-in.
Mbeumo and Sesko Ruled Out of Friendlies
Bryan Mbeumo, 26, was called up to represent Cameroon, while Benjamin Sesko, 22, was named in the Slovenia squad. Both players will now remain in Manchester to focus on their rehabilitation rather than joining their national teams for upcoming friendly matches. Mbeumo was substituted in the 71st minute of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Friday, March 21, reportedly as a precautionary measure. Cameroon is scheduled to play friendlies against Australia and China. Sesko has been managing an ongoing issue in recent weeks and will now use the international break to regain full fitness. He was set to miss Slovenia’s friendlies against Hungary and Montenegro.
United’s Injury Management Strategy
The decision for both Mbeumo and Sesko to withdraw underscores Manchester United’s proactive approach to player welfare, particularly with a significant gap between club fixtures. The Red Devils do not have another match until April 13, when they host Leeds United. Manager Michael Carrick will be hoping this period allows both forwards to make a full recovery and be available for the crucial final stages of the Premier League season. Neither Cameroon nor Slovenia have qualified for the upcoming World Cup, potentially easing the pressure on player availability for these friendlies.
Mazraoui Recovers for Morocco
In separate news concerning international duty, Noussair Mazraoui has recovered from an illness that kept him out of Manchester United’s recent match against Bournemouth. The full-back has now joined up with the Morocco squad ahead of their friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay, indicating his return to fitness.
The withdrawals of Mbeumo and Sesko highlight the delicate balance clubs must strike between international obligations and safeguarding players for domestic campaigns, especially with key periods of the season approaching.