The Football Association of Slovenia has stepped in to defuse the explosive club-versus-country dispute that has engulfed Benjamin Sesko. Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek was left seething earlier this week after claiming he had been kept completely in the dark by Manchester United regarding the injured striker's condition and demanded his nation be afforded "maximum respect". Kek had reportedly threatened to spark a 'diplomatic incident' and would have preferred his own medical experts to assess Sesko.
Instead, the forward, who sustained a knee problem during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, was evaluated by United's medical team and has remained at Carrington for ongoing treatment rather than joining up with the Slovenia squad. Reports have suggested the injury is not believed to be a serious concern, and despite Kek's accusations, Slovenia's national federation has confirmed it has now obtained all the necessary medical records and endorsed United's assessment in an attempt to defuse the row.
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A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "The medical team of the Slovenian national football team received the complete medical documentation from Manchester United regarding Benjamin Sesko's health condition following his injury on Saturday, including the current clinical picture and the examinations performed.
"Unfortunately, the injury currently does not allow for the training process. In the coming days, additional examinations and the start of treatment are planned at the club, so Benjamin will unfortunately not be able to participate in this national team action.
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"We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery and a return to the football field as soon as possible."
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United believe they adhered to all the required protocols regarding Sesko's injury before Slovenia withdrew their threat to engage in a club versus country dispute.
Speaking earlier this week, an incensed Kek declared: "With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents.
"We would certainly like to get them. We want our medical team to also take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this field. We don't have just anyone in this position.
"I cannot comment, of course I have certain information and I am also in contact with Beni. I can't say anything because officially we don't know anything at all.
"United haven't contacted anyone from our camp. Of course, I am concerned about the player. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing.
"We are prepared to do everything for that and we have never sent anyone on the field if there was the slightest risk."
Sesko was substituted in the 58th minute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he only managed to play for half an hour before being replaced. The match ended level thanks to Matthijs de Ligt's last-minute equaliser.
Kek further commented: "The national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone.
"Slovenia deserves that, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England, and something as extraordinary as the Premier League.
"After all it has been quite some time since England defeated Slovenia and that in itself says something about us."
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