Matthijs de Ligt is beginning his road to recovery for Manchester United.
Manchester United fans have not seen Matthijs de Ligt in action for the club since last November.
De Ligt missed one game with a back injury; and then one turned into two, into three, and so on. He did not play again in the 2025/26 season.
The injury was far more complicated than De Ligt or United initially realised, and in mid-May, after almost six full months sidelined, United issued a statement.
De Ligt had undergone back surgery, with it described as ‘the only option left’.
The surgery is expected to mean De Ligt misses the start of pre-season. He is doing everything he can to get on track.
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De Ligt gives update
Matthijs de Ligt is currently away on his summer vacation and is using the time to recharge.
De Ligt shared a series of posts on Instagram on holiday with friends, and also included one image where he was doing some light training work.
The defender was pictured stretching and doing exercises, clearly trying to do what he can to maintain and improve his fitness.
De Ligt’s teammate Diogo Dalot was among the followers who ‘liked’ the images.
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No World Cup for Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt’s injury cost him the second half of the season with Manchester United, and resultantly his World Cup place.
De Ligt had been in and out of the Netherlands squad under Ronald Koeman late last year, but most likely would have gone to the tournament.
But instead he misses out, and will have to refocus on his club form and fitness, in the hope that he is more fortunate in 2030.
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