Last Tuesday, the Manchester United Instagram account celebrated exciting updates about the squad, announcing Lisandro "Licha" Martinez’s return, Harry Maguire's new contract, and stating it was a "good day to be a centre-half." However, for Matthijs de Ligt, the situation is quite different. While his teammates enjoyed a retreat at Carton House Hotel, located 20 miles outside Dublin, De Ligt remained in Manchester, focusing on his fitness and awaiting the moment when he can return to play.
The absence of the 26-year-old defender from Michael Carrick's 25-man squad was particularly noticeable, especially given that Patrick Dorgu made the trip despite not being fully fit. Dorgu had recently recovered from a hamstring injury and was included in the squad for the match against Leeds at Old Trafford, even though he wasn’t expected to participate in the game. This contrast highlights the ongoing struggles De Ligt faces with his back injury, which has kept him sidelined since November.
De Ligt's Ongoing Recovery Journey
The nature of De Ligt’s back issue differs significantly from the muscular problem that sidelined Dorgu. Sources indicate that De Ligt's condition is unpredictable; while he may feel fine one day, he could experience discomfort the next. Unlike Dorgu, whose recovery timeline was straightforward, De Ligt's situation requires careful management. Interim manager Michael Carrick emphasized the need to ensure that De Ligt's back can withstand the demands of Premier League play before allowing him to return to action.
Although there have been moments when it seemed De Ligt was close to making a comeback, this period is not one of those hopeful times. He has had workouts outside but is not currently ready for full participation in training. The club's medical staff continues to monitor his progress closely, understanding that the path to recovery can vary widely from player to player.
Uncertain Future for De Ligt
It has now been over four months since De Ligt last played for Manchester United, during a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace on November 30. Former head coach Ruben Amorim initially believed the injury was minor and expected De Ligt to return quickly. However, plans have changed, and De Ligt's absence has been longer than anticipated.
Despite the frustrating wait, sources confirm that De Ligt remains positive about his recovery and hopes to return before the season concludes. Nevertheless, he recognizes the need for adequate preparation time, especially as the team approaches crucial matches that could determine their Champions League qualification. Carrick, aware of the importance of cautious player management, has refrained from discussing surgery as an option for De Ligt, further indicating the sensitive nature of his injury.
As the season progresses, De Ligt's chances of returning diminish with each passing week. While players like Martinez and Maguire enjoy success and positive developments, De Ligt continues to navigate the challenges of treatment and rehabilitation. Carrick described De Ligt’s routine at the training ground, noting, “Just treatment and rehab,” and acknowledged that while progress may take longer than expected, the focus remains on ensuring that every step toward recovery is taken carefully.
For now, the wait continues for De Ligt, who remains dedicated to overcoming his injury and rejoining his teammates on the pitch.
