Benjamin Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, has delivered a promising update on the striker's recovery from the knee problem he sustained against Tottenham before the November international break. Manchester United striker Sesko came on as a substitute in the 58th minute but managed just thirty minutes on the pitch before requiring treatment and being withdrawn.

He has subsequently been absent for fourPremier Leaguefixtures, though Basanovic remains optimistic that the forward could make his comeback earlier than originally anticipated. Speaking on Slovenian television (via Give Me Sport) he revealed: "Benjamin is feeling very well. His rehabilitation is progressing according to plan.

"It's hard to say precisely when he will return. That will be up to the medical staff and the manager, but I think we'll see him back on the pitch very soon. Maybe even sooner than expected."

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Basanovic also highlighted the significance of Sesko developing an understanding with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the final third to achieve collective success. "Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko have played very few matches together. They need games, certain automatisms, and then things become easier," Basanovic explained.

"When you don't have to think about where a player is or where he's going to run, but you do it automatically. Then the results come, and everything looks much better."

Sesko has managed two goals and one assist in 11 Premier League outings this campaign. However, the 22-year-old's comeback will be vital, with Ruben Amorim poised to lose Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this month.

"I think it's going to be more or less at the same time," Amorim said. "I don't want to say for sure, but when they are going to camp [for the tournament], I expect to have Ben back."

Nevertheless, discussions are continuing over whether the club can retain the trio for their encounter with Bournemouth on December 15. The United manager was unable to provide a definitive response.

"The club is talking with the national teams," he explained. "Let's wait for the middle of the week.

"I don't know for sure, but we are doing our job and the national teams are talking with us and that is a good sign."

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