Matthijs De Ligt
26-Year-Old
Manchester United
Premier
OUT
Injury Back
Est. Return 9/30/2026
Undergoes back surgery
De Ligt (back) has undergone surgery on his back and is expected to return in the "early stages of the 2026/27 season," according to the player, per Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News. "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."
ANALYSIS
De Ligt has had a rough season due to injury and will put an end to it by receiving further work, with the defender getting surgery on his long-standing back injury. This will push the defender out into next season, not set to return until early in the season, likely around September or October. The hope will be that this operation puts the issues behind him as he tries to finish a season without injury, only an option for 13 appearances this season due to the brutally long absence.
De Ligt has had a rough season due to injury and will put an end to it by receiving further work, with the defender getting surgery on his long-standing back injury. This will push the defender out into next season, not set to return until early in the season, likely around September or October. The hope will be that this operation puts the issues behind him as he tries to finish a season without injury, only an option for 13 appearances this season due to the brutally long absence.
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More Fantasy News
Remains out
De Ligt (back) is set to remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture, according to coach Michael Carrick.
ANALYSIS
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Still not ready
De Ligt (back) is not an option and remains a way from a return, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game."
ANALYSIS
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Spotted running on grass
De Ligt (back) was spotted running on the grass in soccer boots alongside the physio, marking an encouraging step forward in his recovery from the injury that has sidelined him since November, the club posted.
ANALYSIS
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Still not training on grass
De Ligt (back) remains in rehabilitation and is not yet training on grass, leaving him several weeks away from a return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Treatment and rehab. The reason he didn't come [to Ireland] is he's not quite on the grass. Patrick came back because he's further on, but Matta isn't quite at this stage yet. So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There's nothing else around it."
ANALYSIS
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Not training yet
De Ligt (back) is still absent from the team's work during their training camp in Dublin.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Man United seal move?
Manchester United are close to completing a move for De Ligt, according to Sky Sports Germany.
ANALYSIS
Manchester United could end up signing two players from Bayern Munich at once, as they're also quite close to completing a deal for Noussair Mazraoui, a former Ajax player who thrived under manager Erik ten Hag in the Eredivisie giant. De Ligt would be an excellent addition to the team's defensive line.
Manchester United could end up signing two players from Bayern Munich at once, as they're also quite close to completing a deal for Noussair Mazraoui, a former Ajax player who thrived under manager Erik ten Hag in the Eredivisie giant. De Ligt would be an excellent addition to the team's defensive line.