As per latest injury news, Man Utd are increasingly uneasy as back injury of Matthijs de Ligt drags on with no clear return date.
Man Utd Injury News: Back Injury Of Matthijs de Ligt Raising Doubts
As per latest news, questions are piling up at Old Trafford over the absence of Matthijs de Ligt. His back injury issue is sitting right at the centre of them. The Manchester United defender has not featured since the hard fought win away at Crystal Palace at the end of November. Against Palace, he played the full match and looked solid.
Since then, his name has quietly disappeared from team sheets. For a club already dealing with change and pressure, that silence has not helped. Centre back stability has been a long running issue for United. With that, De Ligt was meant to be part of the solution. His calm presence, reading of danger, and leadership were key reasons behind his arrival.
When a player of that profile is sidelined without clear updates, concern grows fast. Fans and analysts are waiting to hear an update on his back injury. The longer the wait continues, the louder the question becomes about whether this is more than a short term worry. The Red Devils’ recent defensive rotations show how much his absence is being felt week after week.
🚨Hopefully this weekend we finally see Matthijs de Ligt back in the squad.
He’s been out with a back injury since December 4th, and even though it was initially played down as minor, he’s still sidelined. Back issues are no joke — especially for a centre-back — and De Ligt has… pic.twitter.com/sEBncPp1Wm
— Manchester United Forever (@UtdForever7) January 14, 2026
Mixed Messages From Amorim Raise Fresh Doubts
Former United head coach Ruben Amorim initially played down the issue. He suggested De Ligt’s problem was minor and that a quick return was likely. Those words were seen as a relief at the time, especially after he missed the West Ham match.
However, days later the things were different. Before the Bournemouth game, Amorim confirmed the defender was dealing with a back issue. Since then, there has been no update on the player. The club has provided no timeline and no clear progress reports.
Back injuries are tricky, especially for defenders who rely on strength and balance. Man United’s medical staff are known to be cautious, but the lack of updates has created uncertainty. Amorim’s early comments now looks premature. Fans are left guessing whether the injury has worsened or simply needs careful management. Either way, the absence is starting to impact planning and selection. It is likely affecting the trust in depth across the back line during a tough stretch of games.
Derby Pressure And A Risk United Cannot Ignore
United will take on Man City in the Premier League on Saturday. Given that, De Ligt’s absence carries extra weight. Games against City demand organization, strength, and mental sharpness at the back. United are entering such a fixture without clarity on one of their key defenders.
Beyond the immediate match, the bigger issue is long term certainty. Back problems have a habit of returning if rushed. United must decide whether patience now protects them later. Or whether this situation points to a deeper concern for the Red Devils.
The club is already in a transitional phase and carrying injury doubts over senior players is a huge worry. De Ligt’s quality is not in question, but his fitness remains the main issue. The transfer investment, expectations, and leadership role attached to him make this situation tough to ignore.
Squad balance and tactical consistency across the defence will likely suffer when uncertainty hangs around the team. Man United cannot afford repeated changes at the back if they want stability. In addition, the club needs to provide timely updates on the player.
Author’s Opinion:
United are right to be careful, but silence only adds to the concern. Clear communication and patience are key to protect De Ligt and the team.
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