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Man United star Matthijs de Ligt to miss World Cup after undergoing back surgery
TL;DR
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United has undergone back surgery, ending his season and World Cup hopes. The defender will begin recovery and is expected to return for the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
Key points
- Matthijs de Ligt underwent back surgery
- Surgery ends his season and World Cup ambitions
- He has been sidelined for six months
- Expected return for early stages of 2026-27 season
Matthijs de LigtManchester UnitedNetherlands
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery to finally resolve a back issue that has kept him sidelined for six months, ending his season and World Cup ambitions.
The 26-year-old made a strong start to what quickly turned into a nightmare campaign, having been unable to feature since a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in late November.
United confirmed he has undergone a "corrective procedure" after failing to return to competitive action following rehabilitation efforts on the grass last month.
The club stated that the Netherlands international will begin "a new phase of his recovery" and expects him back for United in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
De Ligt posted a photo in a hospital bed with a thumb up alongside an Instagram caption: "After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left.
De Ligt is yet to play under Michael Carrick (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)
āIām disappointed I couldnāt help the team the last six 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."
De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in August 2024 and made 42 appearances across all competitions in his maiden season at Old Trafford.
However, he has been limited to just 14 outings this term, and it has now been confirmed he will not be adding to that tally.
Q&A
Why did Matthijs de Ligt undergo surgery?
Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery to resolve a persistent back issue that kept him sidelined for six months.
When is Matthijs de Ligt expected to return to Manchester United?
He is expected to return for Manchester United in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.
How long has Matthijs de Ligt been out due to his back injury?
Matthijs de Ligt has been out for six months due to his back injury.