Manchester United have confirmed that central defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful back surgery and will be sidelined for an extended period, ruling him out of the forthcoming World Cup. The Netherlands international has been absent from Erik ten Hag's squad since November, with his last appearance coming in the Premier League fixture against Fulham.
De Ligt's injury had been a persistent concern for the club, leading to speculation regarding its severity. The decision to proceed with surgery was made following consultations with medical specialists, aiming to resolve the issue definitively. This development represents a significant blow for both Manchester United, who are currently navigating a challenging period in the league, and the Netherlands national team, who will now be without a key defensive figure for their World Cup campaign.
The 25-year-old joined Manchester United in the summer and quickly established himself as a vital component of their defence. His absence has coincided with a dip in form for the team, highlighting his importance to the backline. Manager Erik ten Hag has had to shuffle his defensive options in recent weeks, utilising Harry Maguire, Raphaël Varane, and Jonny Evans, among others, to fill the void.
For the Netherlands, de Ligt's unavailability creates a considerable challenge for national team manager Ronald Koeman. De Ligt was expected to be a cornerstone of their defence, bringing experience and leadership. Koeman will now need to reassess his defensive strategies and potentially call upon younger or less experienced players to step up on the world stage.
While Manchester United have not provided a specific timeline for de Ligt's return, it is understood that the recovery process for back surgery can vary significantly. The focus will now be on his rehabilitation, with the club's medical staff overseeing his progress to ensure a full and safe return to competitive football, likely not before the next season.