Manchester United have given an update on Matthijs de Ligt’s physical condition, while the defender himself has made a statement.
De Ligt played every minute of every Premier League game until the end of November, before a back injury sidelined him for what was initially thought to be a brief period.
Read: Antonio Conte on thin ice in Naples
Working Hard getting Closer
United’s manager at the time, Rúben Amorim, said De Ligt had a “slight” problem during the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace and expected him back for the away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in early December.
The 26-year-old has not been in the first-team squad since then, meaning he has not been available for selection during Michael Carrick’s total tenure as a manger.
De Ligt has been at the club’s training facility at Carrington for the past few weeks, but he was still a long way from a return to the first team.
United have since confirmed that the Dutchman has undergone a “corrective procedure” to treat the back injury. De Ligt will miss the rest of this season and is expected back in the “early phase” of next season.
An official statement reads: “Matthijs de Ligt has undergone a successful operation to treat a back injury. After working conscientiously through the rehabilitation process, it was decided that a corrective procedure was the best solution. De Ligt will now begin a new phase of his rehabilitation and is expected back for United in the early phase of the 2026/27 season.”
De Ligt addresses supporters after surgery
Shortly after United’s statement, De Ligt shared a photo of himself standing up in a hospital bed on Instagram, along with his own thoughts.
He confirmed that he will not be available for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, and he apologised to United supporters for not being available in 2026.
De Ligt said, “After six months of treatment and hard work to return, surgery was the only remaining solution.
“I’m disappointed that I haven’t been able to help the team in the last six months, and obviously that I missed the World Cup, but I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to get back in front of the fans and feel better again.”
Under Carrick, United have moved away from playing with three at the back, and his two preferred stoppers are Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez.
Maguire’s performances in 2026 have earned him a new contract at the club, while Martínez remains popular with supporters.
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have substituted. Noussair Mazraoui even filled in the defence during the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month, due to an injury and suspension crisis.
Read on Popidol: Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s dark wedding comedy should come with a warning
