Matthijs de Ligt had returned to training with Manchester United in hopes of playing again this season, but his back injury turned out to be more serious than initially thought.
Matthijs de Ligt undergoes surgery (Image: Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have announced that Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery to repair a frustrating back injury. De Ligt has not played since November due to a back problem and is therefore yet to feature under manager Michael Carrick.
He returned to United’s training last month and initially hoped to play again this season. However, together with the club it was decided that it would be beneficial for the 26-year-old Dutch international to go under the knife, as he will miss the World Cup.
De Ligt shared a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed on Instagram, writing: “After six months of treatment and working hard to get back on track, the only option left was surgery. I’m disappointed that I haven’t been able to help the team these past six months and obviously missed out on the World Cup, but I’m looking forward to getting back in front of the fans and doing everything I can to feel good again.”
Dutch team-mates Frenkie de Jong and Micky van de Ven, as well as former United midfielder Christian Eriksen, also sent messages of support.
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“Matthejs de Ligt underwent successful surgery to address a back injury. After working diligently during his rehabilitation process, it was decided that corrective treatment was the best course of action,” United said in a statement.
De Ligt told the club’s website: “Since November, I have pushed myself every session, explored all options and done everything to get back to the job of playing the football I love.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me through a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our amazing supporters as soon as possible.”
Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery (Image: mdeligt_/Instagram)
He has been out since November (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
De Ligt made 14 appearances for United this season before being sidelined in November. Since then, he has missed 24 games due to back problems. “It’s hard to say just because it’s taken that long,” Carrick said in late March about when De Ligt would return.
“Sometimes when you’re on your back, you think you’re OK and all of a sudden it’s not quite right. We’re just being patient and working on it. We’ll give him time and try to get him back as soon as possible, but it’s really hard to say.”
Regarding the possibility of De Ligt undergoing surgery, Carrick added: “I don’t want to get into that at this stage. We’re trying to do the best we can and we’re working on it right now. We’re not trying to hide anything. He’s recovering, it’s just not as fast as everyone would like.”
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