Matthijs de Ligt’s injury absence has become the biggest mystery at Man Utd this season, but a crucial insight has just emerged.
Since playing against Crystal Palace in October last year, Matthijs de Ligt has been missing in action.
What was described as a minor issue at the time has since received countless injury updates and is no closer to being solved.
After De Ligt’s absence from the travelling squad for the Ireland camp, MUTV pundit Ben Thornley has provided an interesting insight into what could be happening with him right now.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United applauds the fans
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Matthijs de Ligt injury update insight
Nothing concrete has emerged about De Ligt’s injury so far except the simple fact that it has something to do with his back.
It’s known that back injuries are infamous for being tricky and leaving lingering long-term effects, so Man Utd fans are being patient.
At the same time, being kept in the dark leads to frustration as well, since De Ligt was having a world-class season before this injury cruelly took all the momentum away from him.
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MUTV pundit and former Red Devil Ben Thornley spoke on the Inside Carrington podcast and gave an interesting insight into what could be causing continuous delays in De Ligt’s return.
He said: “Back injuries are so problematic that they can’t actually put the finger on what the problem is. Couple that with the fact that you’re out for such a long time, so you’re susceptible to picking up other little knocks on your route back.
“You can have surgery on your calf or hamstring, but generally, if you have a back issue, it can stay with you for a long time. It controls everything in the lower part of your body.”
Man Utd’s extra cautious approach must bear fruit
United are being extra cautious with De Ligt, and it makes sense, because the only thing worse than a back injury is a recurring back injury.
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Having said that, the extra cautious approach must bear fruit, because what can’t happen is that De Ligt returns next season, but gets immediately injured again.
Nor can it happen that this is something he just needs to manage going forward, because United will play in four competitions next season.
Having their marquee centre-back managing an injury issue is still fine, but what they can’t have is a scenario where De Ligt becomes a case of a glass cannon.
He was already becoming injury-prone when he came to Old Trafford, and this recovery from his back injury will define whether he has a future at the club.
If this extra cautious approach works and he comes back fully fit, then it will be worth it. Otherwise, some uncomfortable questions will be asked.
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