Matthijs de Ligt is back in training and could feature against Tottenham next month.
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Matthijs de Ligt looks close to ending his lengthy injury absence, with Manchester United eyeing a firm return date. The defender has missed almost a whole season through injury. Even so, Man United now feel positive about his recovery, as per the latest injury news.
Matthijs de Ligt Set For Return
The Red Devils are increasingly confident about the recovery of Matthijs de Ligt this month. As reported by TEAMTALK, the centre-back should return to contention for Michael Carrick shortly after the international break. He has not played in the Premier League since a back problem hit last November. That gap has hurt United’s defence all season. Carrick will be keen to add options at the back.
United last called upon him during a narrow 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. That was back when Ruben Amorim still managed the club. Since then, a bad back issue has kept him off the **football**pitch entirely. He later underwent surgery in May. That surgery also cost him a place at the World Cup.
Carrick, though, is in no hurry. The plan is to keep Matthijs de Ligt fit for the long run. United do not want to risk a quick setback. The home fixture with Tottenham Hotspur on October 10 has emerged as a possible date for his return. Still, nothing is fixed just yet.
Matthijs de Ligt for Manchester United in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Duels Won Defensive Contributions
Premier League 13 74 109
EFL Cup 1 0 1
Matthijs de Ligt Injury Timeline
The Netherlands international has been out for close to ten months. That is one of United’s longest injury spells in years. At first, the club hoped he would return early this season. But his recovery took longer than planned. That delay frustrated both fans and staff alike. The outlook has since improved considerably. Matthijs de Ligt is back in training at Carrington with the rest of the squad.
United first hoped rest alone would resolve the problem. That approach proved unsuccessful, so doctors chose surgery instead. Since the surgery, his recovery has gone well. There have been no new setbacks so far. The club has stayed quiet on most of the details.
He often draws comparisons to Lisandro Martinez, who had a similar injury. Martinez, though, is already back in full training. United want to take this recovery slowly rather than rush it. That patience should help both the player and the club. Both men remain key to United’s back line.
Carrick Provides Fitness Update
Beyond Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick also gave news this week on Marcus Rashford and Carlos Baleba. This came ahead of a Champions League game against Sabah at Old Trafford. Carrick may rest Rashford before Sunday’s derby with Manchester City. Rashford, however, played well against Everton recently. Baleba, meanwhile, has a minor ankle issue. He could be out for a few more weeks.
On the defender, Carrick sounded upbeat. “He’s training, and it’s great to have him back,” the manager said. He added that the defender is “in good shape and moving in a good direction.” Those words show real hope inside the camp.
Overall, the picture at Old Trafford has improved considerably in recent months. With this defender and Martinez both nearing full fitness, Carrick should soon have a deeper squad. That extra depth could help United in the Premier League and in Europe. It matters a lot for a club still chasing a top-half finish. Fans will simply be glad to see him back on the pitch.
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