Matthijs De Ligt - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Starting Wednesday De Ligt is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Como following his long recovery from a back injury.

Impact De Ligt has spent months on the sidelines working on his recovery after a back injury last season and is now finally making his return, coming back to the field nearly 11 months after the injury. He sees himself in a starting role immediately after quite some time working on his fitness ahead of his return, ensuring he is at his best before getting him on the field. He will now look to reclaim this starting role in the center of the defense moving forward, as he didn't miss a single start until his injury last season.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Gradually nearing competitive return De Ligt (back) continues working toward his return to competitive action after being named on the bench against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Eve...

Impact De Ligt is gradually approaching his competitive comeback after spending nearly 11 months sidelined with a back injury. The Dutch center-back returned to Manchester United's matchday squad for Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid but remained an unused substitute. His return to regular training represents an important milestone, although he still needs time to rebuild his match fitness before competing for a starting role. De Ligt could remain among the substitutes for Sunday's clash against Leeds United, with his first appearance of the season potentially coming off the bench.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Available off bench Tuesday De Ligt (back) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid.

Impact De Ligt is on the bench for a competitive match for the first time in more than 10 months. He's likely going to provide emergency cover at center-back, as Harry Maguire is also an option off the bench. But nonetheless, this is a significant milestone for the Dutch defender, who will be making his 2026/27 season debut if he steps into the field of the Wanda Metropolitano.

OCTOBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Could be option Tuesday De Ligt (back) could be in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Michael Carrick. "It's good to have Matta back in and around...

Impact De Ligt hasn't played this season, and the center-back has been out for nearly a year -- his last appearance came Nov. 30 last year in a 2-1 league win over Crystal Palace. A final call on De Ligt's availability will be made closer to Tuesday's 3 p.m. ET kickoff, but if he's cleared to play, he's likely to have a spot on the bench due to his lengthy absence.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Spotted in team training De Ligt (back) participated in Manchester United's team training session Monday as he continues working toward a return from a long-term injury ahead of Tuesday's Champions League...

Impact De Ligt has been sidelined for nearly 10 months due to a persistent back injury and has yet to make an appearance under manager Michael Carrick. The defender was absent from Saturday's Premier League matchup against Tottenham, but his participation in Monday's training session represents an encouraging step in his recovery. However, it remains unclear whether he is ready to return to competitive action or will be included in the traveling squad for Tuesday's European fixture against the Colchoneros. De Ligt will likely need additional time to regain full match fitness following such an extended absence.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out against Tottenham De Ligt (back) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Tottenham.

Impact De Ligt remains unavailable against Fulham as his wait for a return from a long-term back injury continues. The defender has not featured for nearly 10 months and is yet to make an appearance under Michael Carrick. He was reportedly expected to feature in a friendly against Lausanne Sport as a key test in the final stage of his recovery, but his continued absence from the squad leaves his progress unclear and his return timeline uncertain.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Believed to have played in friendly De Ligt (back) is believed to have featured in Manchester United's friendly against Lausanne Sport on Friday, a key test in the final stage of his recovery to determine whether he...

Impact De Ligt was left out of the club's coverage of the Lausanne Sport friendly, with no mention or photo of him, which fits with Manchester United not wanting to raise expectations as he reaches the end of his recovery from back surgery. His likely involvement represents the final stage of that process, with the match serving as a test of whether he could play without pain. If he came through it, he could be an option for the bench against Tottenham on Oct. 10, though he will still need a few weeks to get up to speed. He has not played since November 2025, having featured in every Premier League minute last season before the injury.

OCTOBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Remains sidelined De Ligt is not in Manchester United's squad for Sunday's match against Fulham despite travelling with the team ahead of the contest.

Impact De Ligt remains unavailable against Fulham as his wait for a return from a long-term back injury continues. The defender has not featured for nearly 10 months and is yet to make an appearance under coach Michael Carrick, though travelling with the squad represented a positive step in his recovery. His omission from the matchday group suggests he is not quite ready for competitive action, with United likely to continue taking a cautious approach after such a lengthy absence.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Travels with squad for first time De Ligt (back) was named in Manchester United's travelling squad for Sunday's trip to Fulham, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports.

Impact ?De Ligt has not featured at all this season because of a back problem that has kept him out for nearly 10 months, and he is yet to play under coach Michael Carrick. His place in the travelling squad puts him in line for his first minutes, although he is expected to be assessed late alongside the other returning players.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Still working toward return De Ligt remains unavailable for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Brighton as he continues working his way back from a lengthy absence, according to coach Michael Carrick. "We'...

Impact De Ligt continues to progress in his recovery but isn't yet ready for competitive action despite having already returned to training. Manager Michael Carrick remains reluctant to establish a timetable given the length of the center-back's absence, suggesting United will continue to manage the final stages of his recovery carefully. Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire remain the main options in central defense while De Ligt is unavailable.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Progressing in recovery De Ligt continues to make good progress in his recovery and has been training well, though Manchester United are still carefully managing the final stages of his return, according...

Impact De Ligt is progressing well after his lengthy absence but still needs time to complete the final stages of his recovery before returning to competitive action. United are being cautious with the center-back's workload after his extended spell out, with manager Michael Carrick indicating that he remains on the right track. Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are expected to form the central defensive partnership against Sabah on Thursday.

SEPTEMBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Continues comeback work De Ligt (back) continues to work with the group as he builds toward a return following back surgery, according to coach Michael Carrick.

Impact De Ligt has been training with his teammates since United's camp in Ireland, but there is still no indication that he's ready for competitive action. Given the length of his absence and the nature of his back problem, United are likely to continue building up his fitness gradually before bringing him back into the matchday squad. Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven remain the available options in central defense in the meantime.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Involved in training De Ligt (back) remains out but manager Michael Carrick highlighted his return to training in Thursday's press conference before Saturday's EPL opener against Hull City. "Matta's ob...

Impact De Ligt barely played in the 2025/26 season due to a nagging back injury, and while the center-back is not ready to feature yet, he seems to be trending in the right direction. De Ligt could be ready to return around the September international break, with Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven all being options to provide cover at center-back while the Dutchman remains sidelined.

AUGUST 20 • ROTOWIRE

Takes part in training session De Ligt (back) was involved in Tuesday's session with Manchester United's squad at Carrington, according to Danyal Khan.

Impact De Ligt's participation comes after a back issue had limited him to individual work in recent weeks, following a spell where he managed just 15 minutes with the group before continuing on his own. His recovery has reportedly progressed well, with hopes of a return to competitive action around October still in play. De Ligt is expected to compete for a starting role at center back alongside Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro once he's back to full fitness. Today's session marks another step in that direction as United monitor his progress closely.

AUGUST 18 • ROTOWIRE

Starts to individually train De Ligt (back) has started to train individually after doing the first 15 minutes of a session with his teammates, according to his club.

Impact De Ligt traveled with a few other United players to County Kildare as they continue offseason preparations. He would then join the team for 15 minutes of training before going off by himself, starting to work on the training pitches again, even if it is only individually. The bright news is that his recovery is going well, hopeful to return to action sometime near October.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Matthijs de Ligt Issues Emotional Statement as Man United Star's World Cup Dream Ends

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has seen his season and World Cup dreams come to an end after undergoing surgery on a persistent...

MAY 16 • FOX SPORTS

Matthijs de Ligt Issues Emotional Statement as Man United Star's World Cup Dream Ends

Undergoes back surgery De Ligt (back) has undergone surgery on his back and is expected to return in the "early stages of the 2026/27 season," according to the player, per Tyrone Marshall of the Manchest...

Impact De Ligt has had a rough season due to injury and will put an end to it by receiving further work, with the defender getting surgery on his long-standing back injury. This will push the defender out into next season, not set to return until early in the season, likely around September or October. The hope will be that this operation puts the issues behind him as he tries to finish a season without injury, only an option for 13 appearances this season due to the brutally long absence.

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out De Ligt (back) is set to remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture, according to coach Michael Carrick.

Impact De Ligt's continued absence leaves Manchester United short of defensive options heading into the final stretch of the season. Lisandro Martinez is available again after suspension, which provides some relief at center-back, though the Dutch defender's unavailability means coach Michael Carrick will need to continue managing his defensive resources carefully. No return timeline has been provided, leaving his availability for the remaining fixtures uncertain.

MAY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Still not ready De Ligt (back) is not an option and remains a way from a return, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game."

Impact De Ligt has been starting to train some by returning to running on grass, but remains away from the team, still needing more time to train. This leaves him with only three more games to return this campaign, leaving him as a close call to make the field again this season. More importantly for the defender, he is likely trying to be fit in time for the World Cup and not risk further injury.

MAY 1 • ROTOWIRE

'No pressure' for Matthijs de Ligt to return to Man Utd action this season as Michael Carrick delivers new injury update

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Manchester United will not rush Matthijs de Ligt back into action before the end of the season despite th...

APRIL 27 • goal

'No pressure' for Matthijs de Ligt to return to Man Utd action this season as Michael Carrick delivers new injury update

Lisandro Martinez appeal verdict: Man Utd learn how many games Argentine defender will miss for hair pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Manchester United have failed in their attempt to overturn Lisandro Martinez's red card following a hair-pulling incident involving Leeds Un...

APRIL 24 • goal

Lisandro Martinez appeal verdict: Man Utd learn how many games Argentine defender will miss for hair pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Spotted running on grass De Ligt (back) was spotted running on the grass in soccer boots alongside the physio, marking an encouraging step forward in his recovery from the injury that has sidelined him sin...

Impact De Ligt had only recently been confirmed as still not on the grass at all, making his progression to outdoor running a meaningful development in what has been an extraordinarily lengthy absence. The Dutchman is still working individually rather than with the group, but getting back outside in boots is a significant milestone that points toward a return in the coming weeks. Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been covering at center-back during his prolonged spell on the sidelines, and Manchester United will be hoping to have De Ligt back in the fold before the season concludes.

APRIL 24 • ROTOWIRE

Still not training on grass De Ligt (back) remains in rehabilitation and is not yet training on grass, leaving him several weeks away from a return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Treatment and rehab. T...

Impact De Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury and his absence from the Dublin training camp is a clear indication that his return is still some way off. The Dutchman's prolonged absence has left Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as United's main center-back options, and with Martinez himself only just returning from injury, coach Mickael Carrick will be hoping De Ligt can get back on the grass soon to bolster a defensive unit that has been stretched for much of the campaign.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Transfer News, Rumors: Man Utd's $135 Million Hijack; Raphinha Pushed Towards Barcelona Exit Matthijs de Ligt, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Alisson and Michael Olise all feature in the gossip.

APRIL 9 • SI.COM

Not training yet De Ligt (back) is still absent from the team's work during their training camp in Dublin.

Impact De Ligt is struggling to completely overcome a back problem that has prevented him from playing since November. Thus, the defender will likely miss at least a few more games before bouncing back to game action. Meanwhile, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez (calf) and, once he serves his ban, Harry Maguire, will be the squad's main center-back options.

APRIL 8 • ROTOWIRE

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Matthijs de Ligt Issues Emotional Statement as Man United Star's World Cup Dream Ends

'No pressure' for Matthijs de Ligt to return to Man Utd action this season as Michael Carrick delivers new injury update

Lisandro Martinez appeal verdict: Man Utd learn how many games Argentine defender will miss for hair pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin