Matthijs de Ligt has undergone corrective back surgery, ending his season and eliminating any chance of competing in the upcoming World Cup. The Manchester United defender, sidelined since November, had exhausted six months of intensive rehabilitation before deciding surgical intervention was necessary. The 26-year-old Dutch international released an emotional statement via social media, posting from his hospital bed to express his disappointment with the forced absence.
De Ligt had made only 14 appearances this season before the injury took hold, devastating what should have been a pivotal campaign under interim manager Michael Carrick. The defender initially returned to light training in April, raising hopes of a potential late-season return, but persistent complications forced the club's medical team to pursue surgery as the only viable path forward. In his statement, De Ligt wrote: "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."
Extended Rehabilitation Ahead
The timing of this setback compounds the difficulty for the former Bayern Munich defender, who has yet to play a single minute under Carrick's management. The interim boss had previously maintained cautious optimism about a potential return, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of back injuries. Carrick noted that while De Ligt was improving, progress remained slower than anticipated, and the club refused to risk his long-term health for short-term gain.
United's backline will now navigate the final fixtures without their expensive defensive acquisition, relying on Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro. De Ligt emphasised his determination in a follow-up message: "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." The focus now shifts entirely to his recovery timeline, with a realistic return likely not materialised until the 2025-26 season begins.
This extended absence represents a significant blow to both club and country, as the Netherlands loses a key defensive figure during an important competitive window, while Manchester United must adjust its defensive setup during a critical stretch of fixtures.
