Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt targets return before season end: Report
(Courtesy : DFL/Bundesliga)
The centre-back has been out for four months now.
Matthijs de Ligt, a defender for Manchester United, is still hopeful about playing again before the 2025–26 Premier League season ends on May 24. The Dutchman is getting better from a complicated back problem, despite early concerns that his season was lost.
Since the Red Devils’ victory over Crystal Palace on November 30, 2025, the Netherlands international has been a huge miss. Matthijs de Ligt was a constant in the starting lineup before the break, playing in all 13 of United’s league games. The medical professionals did not anticipate how difficult his recuperation would be.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Matthijs de Ligt remains in the recovery process after long spells on the sidelines

The 26-year-old has been out of competitive football for four months, despite the initial prediction that he would just miss one week of play. He has not yet resumed grass-based training. He is presently receiving extensive therapy at Carrington.
According to The Sun, De Ligt’s “complicated” back problem is now getting better. He is still optimistic about playing for United before the season ends.
With seven games left in the season, Matthijs de Ligt will be hoping for a miracle to return in time to contribute during the latter stretch of the campaign. Moreover, to be included in the Netherlands team for the 2026 World Cup.
The Red Devils will get ready to play Leeds United in the Premier League following the March international break, while De Ligt continues to heal from his injury.
Which injury has Matthijs de Ligt sustained?
He is trying to recover from a back injury.
When will he return from the injury?
He is targeting a return before the end of the season.
For how long has he been out?
Four months.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
