Man United's Sesko out for a few weeks, Amorim says ahead of Everton clash

MANCHESTER, England :Manchester United will be without striker Benjamin Sesko for "a few weeks" boss Ruben Amorim confirmed on Friday ahead of Monday's Premier League clash against visiting Everton.

Sesko, who picked up a knee injury in United's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in their last game before the international break, joins Harry Maguire on the sidelines, while Kobbie Mainoo remains a doubt after missing training on Friday

"It's not that serious," Amorim told reporters referring to Slovenia international Sesko. "Have to be careful. In a few weeks, expect to have him. Maguire is not ready. Kobbie Mainoo didn't train today but we hope he will (on Saturday)."

The Portuguese coach is hopeful Sesko will return in time for the departures of Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) for the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21.

"More or less at the same time (they leave), I don't want to say for sure, but when they are going to the camp I expect to have Ben back," Amorim said.

He added that United were trying to negotiate later travel dates for AFCON duty for Mbeumo and Diallo, who will not be available for several United games over the busy Christmas period.

"We have the rules when we will have to release the players. We are trying to have the players a bit longer, but we will see," he said. 

According to FIFA regulations, players must be released by their clubs and start to travel no later than Monday morning in the week preceding the week the tournament begins, which would be December 8 for AFCON.

"We will try to arrange something with the federation," Amorim said.

United are seventh on 18 points, just a point off the top four, while Everton are three points behind them in 13th.

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