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Manchester United defender Matthijs De Ligt has undergone surgery to cure a back problem that has kept him out of action since the end of November.
Although United confirmed the operation was successful, the 26-year-old Holland defender is not expected to play again until the early part of next season.
As well as missing the remaining two games of this season, the news dashes any hope of De Ligt playing for his country in the World Cup this summer.
It ends months of uncertainty over De Ligt’s condition after he was initially only ruled out for one game by United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Only last month, Amorim’s replacement Michael Carrick revealed that the player was back training on the grass at Carrington and expressed hope that he might play again this season.
Matthijs De Ligt has undergone back surgery and could even miss the start of next season
De Ligt, pictured training alone three weeks ago, has found his injury ‘complex’ to solve
However, the injury has proven to be too complex, and the decision was made to send De Ligt for what has been described as a corrective procedure.
De Ligt said: ‘Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football.
‘I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.’
United issued a statement on Friday afternoon ahead of their final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday.
De Ligt’s last appearance for Man United came in November’s game at Crystal Palace
It read: ‘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.
‘The 26-year-old Netherlands international made an…