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Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery, a procedure that will undoubtedly rule him out of the upcoming World Cup and potentially the opening matches of next season. The 26-year-old Dutchman was forced to undergo the surgical intervention after battling a back injury for six months. Initial reports suggested he would only be sidelined for a week. He sustained the injury during the match against Crystal Palace on November 30th, having been in excellent form since the start of the campaign, playing every minute of Manchester United's games up to that point.
According to an official statement released on the "Red Devils'" website, De Ligt is expected to return in the early stages of the 2026/27 season.
"After six months of treatment and hard work on recovery, surgery was the only option left. I'm disappointed that I couldn't help the team in the last half-year and, obviously, I'm missing the World Cup, but I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to get back in front of the fans and feel better again."
The defender has been a part of the Netherlands squad for the last three major tournaments, but Ronald Koeman will now be unable to call upon him in North America.
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