It has been over 250 days since the last time Matthijs de Ligt was seen playing in the Manchester United kit. The Dutch defender sustained an injury late in 2025, which was initially assessed as a minor issue. However, the condition proved significantly more severe, leading to a serious back injury that necessitated an extended absence from play and ultimately required surgical intervention.
Following several months of intensive rehabilitation, the 27-year-old defender now appears to be approaching his anticipated return to competitive action. Recently, de Ligt rejoined the team’s training sessions ahead of a pre-season friendly match scheduled against Leeds United. While his participation in training marks a positive step, the precise date for his official return to first-team matches has not yet been confirmed by club sources.
The news of his gradual reintegration comes as other key players, such as Benjamin Sesko, have also rejoined the squad in Manchester. The focus for the club remains on managing the fitness levels of its key personnel as they prepare for the upcoming season. The progress of Matthijs de Ligt’s recovery is closely monitored by the club medical staff as they work toward a sustainable pathway for his full competitive return.
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