Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt undergoes back surgery
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone back surgery and will miss the upcoming World Cup following a severe setback in his rehabilitation.
The 26-year-old has not featured for the Premier League side since November after sustaining the initial injury.
He had returned to light training last month with hopes of playing again this season, but further medical assessment determined an operation was necessary.
Frustrating rehabilitation process
The Netherlands international had exhausted all conservative treatment options over the past six months.
Manchester United confirmed the corrective procedure was successful and deemed the best course of action for his long-term fitness.
The defender has missed 24 consecutive matches and is yet to play under current manager Michael Carrick.
‘Determined to return’
Posting an update from his hospital bed, the centre-back expressed his profound disappointment at missing both the remainder of the domestic campaign and the World Cup.
Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love.
I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career.
International colleagues Frenkie de Jong and Micky van de Ven, alongside former United midfielder Christian Eriksen, were quick to offer public support following the announcement.
Carrick’s defensive headache
The former Ajax and Bayern Munich star made just 14 appearances across all competitions this season before being permanently sidelined.
His prolonged absence has been a persistent structural issue for the Old Trafford outfit.
Speaking recently about the defender’s recovery timeline, Carrick acknowledged the unpredictable and delicate nature of back injuries.
With backs sometimes you think it’s all right and all of a sudden it’s not quite right.
We’re just being patient and working through it to try to get him back as quickly as we can.