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Manchester United’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt will miss the 2026 World Cup after finally conceding defeat in his battle to avoid surgery on chronic back problems.
The 26-year-old has not played since the win at Crystal Palace on 30 November.
At the time, United manager Ruben Amorim said it was a minor problem and expected the Dutchman to return for the home game against West Ham four days later.
This has not happened and despite many optimistic messages, and current manager Michael Carrick repeatedly saying the club is not considering an operation.
But de Ligt’s most recent forays onto Carrington’s training pitch last month did not lead to positive results.
“Mathijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to overcome a back injury,” United said in a statement.
“After working diligently throughout his rehabilitation process, it was decided that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”
The Netherlands open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14 and United say they do not expect De Ligt to return until “the early stages of the 2026-27 season”.
It is understood that pre-season is not included for the Old Trafford team, which begins with a trip to Helsinki to face Wrexham on July 18, although he could travel with the rest of United’s squad to continue his rehabilitation.
“Since November I have done everything, pushed myself in every session and explored every option, to get back to playing football, which I love,” said De Ligott.
“I am grateful to everyone who supported me during the difficult times of my career.
“I am as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”
