Sharjah24: The Netherlands national team announced that defender Matthijs de Ligt will miss the 2026 World Cup after undergoing back surgery to treat an injury that has kept him sidelined since last November.
The Manchester United defender is not expected to return to the pitch until the start of next season.
Manchester United said in a statement on Friday: “Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury.”
The club added: “Following his dedicated commitment throughout rehabilitation, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action.”
De Ligt had enjoyed a strong start to the season, playing every minute of United’s opening 13 Premier League matches before the injury halted his progress.
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