Man Utd defender de Ligt nears return as Xavi reaches out

Netherlands manager Xavi has been in contact with Manchester United regarding centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt, who is edging back to full training after a prolonged back‑injury spell.

Injury timeline and surgery

De Ligt has not featured since November 2025 because of a back problem that eventually required surgery in May. He announced the operation on Instagram, writing that six months of treatment left surgery as the only option and expressing disappointment at missing the World Cup.

Following the operation, the Dutch defender spent another six months in rehabilitation before accepting that surgery was necessary to regain fitness.

Return to training and national team hopes

He rejoined Manchester United’s training sessions in August and is now deemed close to being match‑fit, with Xavi hoping the defender will be available after the current international break.

Speaking ahead of Nations League fixtures against Germany, Serbia and Greece, Xavi said: “Yes, we’re in touch with him and Manchester United. He’s been through a tough time.” He added that the defender is an important player for the Netherlands and could feature prominently in the future.

“He’s doing well. We are checking how are they? We need all our players, especially these guys,” Xavi continued, also mentioning recent contact with Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has not confirmed de Ligt’s availability for the Red Devils’ upcoming clash with Tottenham on 10 October, but remains hopeful. After a 1‑1 draw with Fulham, Carrick told MUTV that the squad’s injury updates were positive, highlighting the return of other players and expressing optimism about the group’s readiness.

Both Xavi and Carrick acknowledge the significance of de Ligt’s recovery for club and country, underscoring the mutual interest in seeing the defender back on the pitch as soon as possible.