SouthernWorldwide.com – Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt’s season and World Cup aspirations have been cut short following surgery for a persistent back injury.
The Netherlands international, who has been sidelined since November, had recently resumed light training but has now been compelled to undergo surgery to address the issue.
Manchester United has officially confirmed that De Ligt has undergone a corrective procedure to resolve a long-standing back problem. The 26-year-old has not featured for the Red Devils since late autumn and will now face an extended rehabilitation period, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.
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The club issued a statement to clarify the situation, indicating that the decision was made in the player’s best interests after intensive recovery efforts failed to yield the desired results.
The former Bayern Munich star took to social media to express his deep disappointment to fans, sharing a photograph from his hospital bed. Having initially returned to light training in April, the defender acknowledged that surgery ultimately became the only viable path forward after six months of frustration and setbacks.
Writing on Instagram, De Ligt stated: “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last 6 months and obviously missing out on the World Cup but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again.”
The timing of this setback is particularly unfortunate for De Ligt, who has yet to play a single minute under manager Michael Carrick.
Speaking to the club’s official website about his resolve to return, De Ligt added: “Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”
The Dutch international made only 14 appearances this season before the injury significantly impacted his availability. Carrick had recently commented on the unpredictable nature of back injuries, explaining that while the player was showing improvement, progress was simply “not as quick as we all hope” and that the club would not compromise his long-term health.
With 24 matches already missed due to the injury, the focus now shifts entirely to the 2026-27 season for De Ligt’s return to full fitness. His absence leaves United with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro to cover the defensive positions for the remaining fixtures of the current season, as the club awaits the return of their significant defensive investment.
