Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt targets return from back injury
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is aiming to return from a long-term back injury before the end of the Premier League season to secure his place in the Netherlands World Cup squad.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since November after an issue initially expected to rule him out for just a week.
Interim manager Michael Carrick recently admitted uncertainty over whether the centre-back would feature again before the domestic campaign concludes on 24 May.
However, reports suggest the former Ajax and Bayern Munich star is pushing for a comeback to catch the eye of national team boss Ronald Koeman.
World Cup ambitions and defensive competition
The Dutch international faces an intense battle to earn a spot in his country’s squad for the upcoming global tournament.
Koeman has a wealth of defensive options at his disposal following recent international call-ups.
- Virgil van Dijk
- Nathan Ake
- Micky van de Ven
- Stefan de Vrij
- Jurrien Timber
Regaining his place in the starting line-up at Old Trafford will also prove challenging for the returning centre-half.
Harry Maguire has enjoyed a strong run of form, while highly-rated teenager Leny Yoro is continuing his development.
Carrick exercises caution over recovery
De Ligt started all 13 league fixtures prior to his setback but has missed the entirety of Carrick’s tenure since the Englishman replaced Ruben Amorim in January.
The United boss confirmed the defender has been present at the club’s Carrington training complex but urged patience regarding a definitive return date.
“With backs sometimes you think it’s all right and all of a sudden it’s not quite right.”
Michael Carrick stated that the club’s medical staff are working through the issue and giving the player necessary time to heal.
“We’ll give him time and try to get him back as quickly as we can, but it’s really difficult to say.”
When pressed on the possibility of surgery, the former midfielder refused to rule out any medical interventions.
“I don’t want to get into that at this stage. We’ll try and do whatever we can to help and we’re working through that now.”
Selection headache for Leeds clash
The Red Devils host Leeds United on Monday, 13 April, but will be without the suspended Maguire following his dismissal against Bournemouth.
Carrick is hoping Lisandro Martinez will recover in time to fill the void, with 19-year-old Ayden Heaven serving as a potential alternative.
