Manchester United have a fresh De Ligt injury update after Netherlands head coach Xavi confirmed he remains in regular contact with the club over Matthijs de Ligt’s recovery. The 27-year-old had back surgery in mid-May. That followed six months of treatment that failed to solve the problem.
The injury cost De Ligt the summer World Cup. The Netherlands were knocked out in the round of 32 on penalties by Morocco. Ronald Koeman stepped down as national team boss the day after that exit. Xavi has since taken charge, and he is now managing the search for defensive cover while United’s centre back continues his recovery.
Xavi made contact with Manchester United
Speaking after naming his first squad as Netherlands head coach, Xavi gave a clear picture of where things stand.
“We are in contact with him and Manchester United; he has had a tough period,” he said, a comment reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Xavi was also asked about other members of his Dutch squad.
“I have also been in contact with Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons recently. We need all players, especially these guys,” he said. That’s a reminder that De Ligt’s recovery is only one part of a wider push to get his squad fit.
Michael Carrick has been just as open. Speaking before United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, he said:
“Matta’s just working his way back, really, so because of how it’s been, I don’t really want to put too much time frame on it.”
A month earlier, Carrick had already struck an upbeat tone. He said De Ligt was training again.
“He’s training, and it’s great to have him back,” he said, adding that “he’s in good shape and moving in a good direction.”
Why a fit De Ligt is important to Man Utd and the Netherlands
The scale of De Ligt’s absence explains why every word from Carrick and Xavi carries weight. He has not played since completing 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last November. Since then, he has missed 33 matches for United across ten months, plus eight more for his country.
A fit De Ligt would restore a proven option at the heart of United’s defence. This De Ligt injury update comes with no fixed date. Still, it confirms the club and Xavi are aligned on managing his comeback carefully rather than rushing it.
Xavi has had to plan around De Ligt’s absence at international level too. His squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Germany, Greece and Serbia includes Jan Paul van Hecke, Lutsharel Geertruida, Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk. That’s a defensive group built without the United man for now. Xavi’s ties to Old Trafford go back some way, and readers can revisit our earlier report on his admiration for the club.
What Happens Next & Upcoming Timeline
De Ligt was included in United’s travelling squad for the trip to Craven Cottage before the international break. That alone does not mean he was passed fit to play. Carrick has kept expectations in check rather than naming a return date, sticking to the same message he has given for weeks.
With no fixed timeframe attached, supporters will be watching training footage and matchday squads for the next real clue. It’s a pattern United fans have grown used to over the years, similar to the patience shown around post-match comments from Old Trafford during past rebuilding spells. For now, De Ligt’s focus stays on training, and United’s focus stays on getting him back without any setbacks.
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