Ask Onix
De Ligt remains absent as United squad trains in Ireland
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt continues to recover from a back injury, missing the squad's training camp in Maynooth while teammates prepare for the Premier League clash against Leeds United.
Injury uncertainty lingers for Dutch defender
De Ligt, 26, has not played for United since their 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on November 30, marking over four months on the sidelines. Unlike his fellow defenders Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire-both of whom celebrated recent positive developments-De Ligt spent last week at the club's Carrington training ground undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
While most of the squad enjoyed a training getaway at the Carton House Hotel near Dublin, De Ligt remained in Manchester, focusing on recovery. His absence from interim manager Michael Carrick's 25-man squad for the Leeds match was particularly notable, especially as young defender Patrick Dorgu, recovering from a hamstring injury, was included.
Back injury poses unique challenges
Sources close to the club describe De Ligt's situation as unpredictable. Unlike muscular injuries with clearer recovery timelines, back problems can fluctuate daily. One day may bring progress, while the next could see a setback, making it difficult to predict when he might return to full training.
Carrick emphasized the cautious approach, stating, "He's obviously in the gym and he's doing work, but he's not ready for the grass yet." The club is prioritizing De Ligt's long-term fitness over a rushed return, particularly as United push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
No surgery on the horizon
Neither De Ligt nor the club's medical staff have indicated that surgery is being considered as a solution. Carrick previously dismissed the idea during a press conference last month, and sources confirm the player is not currently exploring surgical options. Recovery timelines for back injuries vary widely-Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, for example, returned to action nearly four months after surgery in 2024, while others have faced much longer absences.
Optimism amid frustration
Despite the uncertainty, those close to De Ligt report that his mood remains positive. He is hopeful of returning before the end of the season, though he acknowledges the need for a gradual reintroduction to match play. With United's Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, Carrick is unlikely to take risks with player fitness, particularly for a defender who was a key performer in the early months of the campaign.
"Sometimes it happens quicker; sometimes there's things that don't quite go to plan and it's a bit slower. He's working through that at the moment and we're trying to get him back right."
Michael Carrick, Manchester United Interim Manager
What's next for De Ligt?
For now, De Ligt's focus remains on rehabilitation. While his teammates prepare for the final stretch of the Premier League season, the Dutch international continues his daily routine of treatment and conditioning, awaiting the day he can rejoin the squad on the pitch.
