Matthijs de Ligt
MUN
Center Back
Driving Center Back
Aug 12, 1999 (27)
Right
6'2"
196 lb
Starting Wednesday
De Ligt is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Como following his long recovery from a back injury.
Analysis: De Ligt has spent months on the sidelines working on his recovery after a back injury last season and is now finally making his return, coming back to the field nearly 11 months after the injury. He sees himself in a starting role immediately after quite some time working on his fitness ahead of his return, ensuring he is at his best before getting him on the field. He will now look to reclaim this starting role in the center of the defense moving forward, as he didn't miss a single start until his injury last season.
Gradually nearing competitive return
De Ligt (back) continues working toward his return to competitive action after being named on the bench against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Every training session and every day and every kind of week that goes by, being back around the group, being on the bench again... [He was] back on the bench the other night, I think it was a good step for him and just a little bit of patience, a little bit of working our way through it and getting him up to speed. It's great to have him around. He's obviously a lot happier when being back around the group. He's had a tough few months that he's had to work through, and credit to him for that, for being in the place that he is now. So yeah, we're delighted to have him back involved."
Analysis: De Ligt is gradually approaching his competitive comeback after spending nearly 11 months sidelined with a back injury. The Dutch center-back returned to Manchester United's matchday squad for Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid but remained an unused substitute. His return to regular training represents an important milestone, although he still needs time to rebuild his match fitness before competing for a starting role. De Ligt could remain among the substitutes for Sunday's clash against Leeds United, with his first appearance of the season potentially coming off the bench.
Available off bench Tuesday
De Ligt (back) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: De Ligt is on the bench for a competitive match for the first time in more than 10 months. He's likely going to provide emergency cover at center-back, as Harry Maguire is also an option off the bench. But nonetheless, this is a significant milestone for the Dutch defender, who will be making his 2026/27 season debut if he steps into the field of the Wanda Metropolitano.
Could be option Tuesday
De Ligt (back) could be in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Michael Carrick. "It's good to have Matta back in and around it. He's been out for a long period of time, a little bit of patience with him and working through, but again, for him to be back around it, it's fantastic...I'm definitely comfortable with him playing, of course."
Analysis: De Ligt hasn't played this season, and the center-back has been out for nearly a year -- his last appearance came Nov. 30 last year in a 2-1 league win over Crystal Palace. A final call on De Ligt's availability will be made closer to Tuesday's 3 p.m. ET kickoff, but if he's cleared to play, he's likely to have a spot on the bench due to his lengthy absence.
Spotted in team training
De Ligt (back) participated in Manchester United's team training session Monday as he continues working toward a return from a long-term injury ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, according to the club.
Analysis: De Ligt has been sidelined for nearly 10 months due to a persistent back injury and has yet to make an appearance under manager Michael Carrick. The defender was absent from Saturday's Premier League matchup against Tottenham, but his participation in Monday's training session represents an encouraging step in his recovery. However, it remains unclear whether he is ready to return to competitive action or will be included in the traveling squad for Tuesday's European fixture against the Colchoneros. De Ligt will likely need additional time to regain full match fitness following such an extended absence.
Remains out against Tottenham
De Ligt (back) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: De Ligt remains unavailable against Fulham as his wait for a return from a long-term back injury continues. The defender has not featured for nearly 10 months and is yet to make an appearance under Michael Carrick. He was reportedly expected to feature in a friendly against Lausanne Sport as a key test in the final stage of his recovery, but his continued absence from the squad leaves his progress unclear and his return timeline uncertain.
Believed to have played in friendly
De Ligt (back) is believed to have featured in Manchester United's friendly against Lausanne Sport on Friday, a key test in the final stage of his recovery to determine whether he can return to the squad against Tottenham on Oct. 10, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: De Ligt was left out of the club's coverage of the Lausanne Sport friendly, with no mention or photo of him, which fits with Manchester United not wanting to raise expectations as he reaches the end of his recovery from back surgery. His likely involvement represents the final stage of that process, with the match serving as a test of whether he could play without pain. If he came through it, he could be an option for the bench against Tottenham on Oct. 10, though he will still need a few weeks to get up to speed. He has not played since November 2025, having featured in every Premier League minute last season before the injury.
Remains sidelined
De Ligt is not in Manchester United's squad for Sunday's match against Fulham despite travelling with the team ahead of the contest.
Analysis: De Ligt remains unavailable against Fulham as his wait for a return from a long-term back injury continues. The defender has not featured for nearly 10 months and is yet to make an appearance under coach Michael Carrick, though travelling with the squad represented a positive step in his recovery. His omission from the matchday group suggests he is not quite ready for competitive action, with United likely to continue taking a cautious approach after such a lengthy absence.
Travels with squad for first time
De Ligt (back) was named in Manchester United's travelling squad for Sunday's trip to Fulham, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: ​De Ligt has not featured at all this season because of a back problem that has kept him out for nearly 10 months, and he is yet to play under coach Michael Carrick. His place in the travelling squad puts him in line for his first minutes, although he is expected to be assessed late alongside the other returning players.
Still working toward return
De Ligt remains unavailable for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Brighton as he continues working his way back from a lengthy absence, according to coach Michael Carrick. "We'll see as the week progresses but Matta is just working his way back really. So I don't want to, because of the timeframe on it, and how it's been, I don't want to really put too much of a timeframe on it"
Analysis: De Ligt continues to progress in his recovery but isn't yet ready for competitive action despite having already returned to training. Manager Michael Carrick remains reluctant to establish a timetable given the length of the center-back's absence, suggesting United will continue to manage the final stages of his recovery carefully. Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire remain the main options in central defense while De Ligt is unavailable.
Progressing in recovery
De Ligt continues to make good progress in his recovery and has been training well, though Manchester United are still carefully managing the final stages of his return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He's trained really well but we're still managing it, when you're out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you've got to manage that last stage."
Analysis: De Ligt is progressing well after his lengthy absence but still needs time to complete the final stages of his recovery before returning to competitive action. United are being cautious with the center-back's workload after his extended spell out, with manager Michael Carrick indicating that he remains on the right track. Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are expected to form the central defensive partnership against Sabah on Thursday.
Continues comeback work
De Ligt (back) continues to work with the group as he builds toward a return following back surgery, according to coach Michael Carrick.
Analysis: De Ligt has been training with his teammates since United's camp in Ireland, but there is still no indication that he's ready for competitive action. Given the length of his absence and the nature of his back problem, United are likely to continue building up his fitness gradually before bringing him back into the matchday squad. Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven remain the available options in central defense in the meantime.
Involved in training
De Ligt (back) remains out but manager Michael Carrick highlighted his return to training in Thursday's press conference before Saturday's EPL opener against Hull City. "Matta's obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and it's great to have him back. He won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that's a good bonus for us really, at this stage, to have him back."
Analysis: De Ligt barely played in the 2025/26 season due to a nagging back injury, and while the center-back is not ready to feature yet, he seems to be trending in the right direction. De Ligt could be ready to return around the September international break, with Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven all being options to provide cover at center-back while the Dutchman remains sidelined.
Takes part in training session
De Ligt (back) was involved in Tuesday's session with Manchester United's squad at Carrington, according to the club.
Analysis: De Ligt's participation comes after a back issue had limited him to individual work in recent weeks, following a spell where he managed just 15 minutes with the group before continuing on his own. His recovery has reportedly progressed well, with hopes of a return to competitive action around October still in play. De Ligt is expected to compete for a starting role at center back alongside Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro once he's back to full fitness. Today's session marks another step in that direction as United monitor his progress closely.
Starts to individually train
De Ligt (back) has started to train individually after doing the first 15 minutes of a session with his teammates, according to his club.
Analysis: De Ligt traveled with a few other United players to County Kildare as they continue offseason preparations. He would then join the team for 15 minutes of training before going off by himself, starting to work on the training pitches again, even if it is only individually. The bright news is that his recovery is going well, hopeful to return to action sometime near October.
Undergoes back surgery
De Ligt (back) has undergone surgery on his back and is expected to return in the "early stages of the 2026/27 season," according to the player, per Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News. "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."
Analysis: De Ligt has had a rough season due to injury and will put an end to it by receiving further work, with the defender getting surgery on his long-standing back injury. This will push the defender out into next season, not set to return until early in the season, likely around September or October. The hope will be that this operation puts the issues behind him as he tries to finish a season without injury, only an option for 13 appearances this season due to the brutally long absence.
Remains out
De Ligt (back) is set to remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture, according to coach Michael Carrick.
Analysis: De Ligt's continued absence leaves Manchester United short of defensive options heading into the final stretch of the season. Lisandro Martinez is available again after suspension, which provides some relief at center-back, though the Dutch defender's unavailability means coach Michael Carrick will need to continue managing his defensive resources carefully. No return timeline has been provided, leaving his availability for the remaining fixtures uncertain.
Still not ready
De Ligt (back) is not an option and remains a way from a return, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game."
Analysis: De Ligt has been starting to train some by returning to running on grass, but remains away from the team, still needing more time to train. This leaves him with only three more games to return this campaign, leaving him as a close call to make the field again this season. More importantly for the defender, he is likely trying to be fit in time for the World Cup and not risk further injury.
Spotted running on grass
De Ligt (back) was spotted running on the grass in soccer boots alongside the physio, marking an encouraging step forward in his recovery from the injury that has sidelined him since November, the club posted.
Analysis: De Ligt had only recently been confirmed as still not on the grass at all, making his progression to outdoor running a meaningful development in what has been an extraordinarily lengthy absence. The Dutchman is still working individually rather than with the group, but getting back outside in boots is a significant milestone that points toward a return in the coming weeks. Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been covering at center-back during his prolonged spell on the sidelines, and Manchester United will be hoping to have De Ligt back in the fold before the season concludes.
Still not training on grass
De Ligt (back) remains in rehabilitation and is not yet training on grass, leaving him several weeks away from a return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Treatment and rehab. The reason he didn't come [to Ireland] is he's not quite on the grass. Patrick came back because he's further on, but Matta isn't quite at this stage yet. So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There's nothing else around it."
Analysis: De Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury and his absence from the Dublin training camp is a clear indication that his return is still some way off. The Dutchman's prolonged absence has left Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as United's main center-back options, and with Martinez himself only just returning from injury, coach Mickael Carrick will be hoping De Ligt can get back on the grass soon to bolster a defensive unit that has been stretched for much of the campaign.
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