Matthijs de Ligt injury update emerges after not appearing in Man Utd squad for eight months

A rare update on Matthijs de Ligt's back injury has emerged, but it's not good news for Manchester United heading into the new season.

De Ligt played every minute of every Premier League game last term until he suffered a back injury in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in November.

At the time, then-manager Ruben Amorim declared De Ligt had a 'small' issue and assured supporters he'd be fit for the following week's game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fast-forward to July and De Ligt hasn't featured in a matchday squad since. It means he's missed Michael Carrick's entire tenure as head coach and the chance to represent the Netherlands at this year's World Cup.

United have kept their cards close to their chest regarding De Ligt's injury, most recently releasing a statement confirming the 26-year-old had undergone a 'corrective procedure' to return in the early months of the campaign.

They said: "Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury.

"Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action. De Ligt will now begin a new phase of his recovery and is expected to return for United in the early stages of the 2026/27 season."

Naturally, De Ligt's absence and eventual return have become of great interest to supporters.

Matthijs De Ligt return timeline has changed

Despite United hoping for a return in the early stages of 26/27, respected journalist Andy Mitten writes in The National that De Ligt's comeback is expected to take longer, even suggesting autumn.

While that'll come as a blow to Carrick, who needs a deeper squad to compete in the Champions League, he'll be boosted by Lisandro Martinez's injury issue not being as serious as feared. The Argentina international left the field during last weekend's World Cup final, but United believe he'll be fit for next month.

Martinez regularly partnered Harry Maguire at the back as United recovered to finish third and seal Champions League football for the first time since 2023.

Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro deputised in De Ligt's absence, while Noussair Mazraoui put in a mature performance against Chelsea in April.

Michael Carrick's thoughts on recruiting more defenders

So far in the summer transfer window, United have focused on their midfield. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, while many expected a third to arrive following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee injury.

Aside from midfield, United have also been linked with reinforcements on the left side of their team. A transfer for Crysencio Summerville was rumoured earlier in the window, although he's now left West Ham for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Links to Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall continue to rumble, although the Magpies would likely want a premium fee.

One position Carrick isn't too worried about is the heart of his defence, telling reporters in April: "It’s not an area of concern for me at this moment in time."