Manchester United Confirm Matthijs de Ligt Back Surgery, Set Return for Early 2026/27 Season

Manchester United have confirmed that Dutch international defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a persistent back injury. The club announced that the 26-year-old centre-back is expected to return to competitive action in the early stages of the 2026/27 season, effectively ruling him out of the summer's 2026 World Cup.

De Ligt has been sidelined since late November, with conservative treatments failing to resolve his severe back issue. This led to the decision for a corrective surgical procedure, which the club confirmed was successful.

Key facts

Surgery Confirmed and Recovery Ahead

In an official statement, Manchester United detailed the situation: "Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury. Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action." The club expressed full support for the player during his recovery. De Ligt himself commented on the challenging period, stating his determination to return to playing football for Manchester United as soon as possible.

Impact on the 2026 World Cup

The confirmation of de Ligt's extended absence means he will not be available for the Netherlands squad at the 2026 World Cup. His participation had been in doubt since his injury in November, and the surgery now definitively rules him out of the prestigious summer tournament. This is a significant blow for the Dutch national team, as de Ligt had been a key figure in their defensive setup.

Previous Form and Club's Plans

Before his injury, de Ligt had been in excellent form for Manchester United. He had featured in every minute of every Premier League game until the end of November and was even voted the club's Player of the Month for November by supporters. This strong performance underscores his importance to the team. Despite the lengthy layoff, it is understood that de Ligt remains firmly in Manchester United's long-term plans. The club is committed to supporting him through his rehabilitation to ensure a full and strong return.

Looking Ahead to 2026/27 Season

De Ligt will now enter a new phase of his recovery, focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the next campaign. His expected return in the early stages of the 2026/27 season will be a boost for Manchester United, who will be keen to have their influential defender back on the pitch. His absence has undoubtedly impacted the team's defensive stability, and his return will be eagerly anticipated by fans and management alike.

Fuente: Sports Mole Football RSS (https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/injury-news/news/man-united-outline-de-ligt-recovery-timeline-as-back-operation-is-confirmed_597634.html)