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Man Utd centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has explained why he was forced to undergo back surgery.
The Dutchman has been trying to get back to full fitness since last November, but following the announcement of his switch to the knife, he said:
“After 6 months of treatment and hard work to come back, surgery was the only option left.
“I’m disappointed that I haven’t been able to help the team over the last 6 months and obviously missed 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.”
De Ligt will not be ready for pre-season
Man Utd’s official statement states that the 26-year-old hopes to make his return in the “early stages of the 2026/27 season”.
It means de Ligt is unlikely to be in contention for the first game of the new campaign, with his recovery from surgery expected to take months.
The Dutch international has already been out for almost six months, having last played against Crystal Palace in the 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.
This latest setback suggests that he could spend between 9 and 11 months in total on the bench if he returns in August, September or October, which is the current estimate given by the club.
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Will Man Utd now sign a central defender?
The blow could cause the Red Devils to re-evaluate their summer transfer plans. Director of football Jason Wilcox had looked at a few options to strengthen the middle of defense – Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.
“Background checks” allegedly carried out on the pair, but it was decided that there was enough depth in the centre-back position. There could be a change in position following this latest news on de Ligt.
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