Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will be delighted to finally welcome Matthijs de Ligt back into his squad.
De Ligt last featured for United in November 2025 before a troublesome back injury brought his season to a premature halt.
He suffered further setbacks during his recovery in early 2026, eventually forcing him to undergo surgery in May.
The centre-back started for the Red Devils in their behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport yesterday.
His involvement suggests United are increasingly confident in his recovery and could now look to ease him back into competitive action soon.
Perfect time for Matthijs De Ligt to return
De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in a £42.9 million transfer in 2024.
The 27-year-old started the 2025-26 season strongly.
He played every minute of the first 13 Premier League games and emerged as one of the standout performers alongside Bryan Mbeumo.
De Ligt even found the net in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, producing an important moment at the other end of the pitch.
Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress over the past few years, but there is little doubt about his quality when he is fully fit.
That makes his return particularly timely, with the Red Devils facing a brutal fixture schedule this month.
They face six games in just 21 days, including demanding UEFA Champions League trips to Italy and Spain.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have been the first-choice centre-back pair under head coach Michael Carrick this campaign.
However, rotation will be crucial at the heart of the defence, particularly given the injury concerns that have affected both players in recent seasons.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven provide promising alternatives but starting them together could leave them exposed due to inexperience as shown in the Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Having De Ligt back in contention gives Carrick another valuable option and much-needed depth as United prepare for a relentless run of fixtures.
Stats from Fotmob.com