The ordeal continues! » The Premier League star is still refusing surgery despite not playing again from 2025

While the club have celebrated Lisandro Martinez's return and Harry Maguire's contract extension on social media in recent days, describing last Tuesday as a “good day to be a centre-back”, the reality for the 26-year-old Dutchman was far different.

The Ajax-trained defender did not join the team's training camp at the Carton House Hotel, near Dublin, remaining in Manchester to continue his recovery process.

Matthijs de Ligt remains uncertain

De Ligt's absence was made even more evident by the presence of Patrick Dorgu in the delegation led by Michael Carrick. The left-back, who is also recovering from injury, traveled with the squad despite not being fit for Monday's game against Leeds. The justification, according to the interim coach, is simple: “The reason why he didn't come, and Patrick did, is that Patrick is a little more advanced in the recovery phase.”

The big difference lies in the nature of the injuries. In the case of Dorgu, who picked up a muscle problem in January against Arsenal, the medical department has estimated eight to ten weeks out.

Instead, the former Juventus centre-back's back injury is unpredictable. Sources at the club admit, according to British media, that like anyone with similar problems, there are days when he feels good and others not so well, preventing a deadline for his return being set.

The defender has not played since the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace on November 30. At the time, Ruben Amorim, still in charge of the Red Devils, played down the situation, telling Sky Sports it was “something minor” and that he hoped to have him back for the next game.

However, the prediction did not materialize and the player, who was one of the figures for Manchester United at the start of the season, continues to not compete.

Surgery is not a solution

Although close sources assure De Ligt remains optimistic about a return before the end of the season, time is running out. With the team close to securing a place in the next edition of the Champions League, Carrick is unlikely to risk using players who are not 100%, according to abola.pt.

Surgery is not, for now, an option considered by either the player or the club. The example of Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, who took almost four months to return to the starting line-up after back surgery, serves as a warning. Asked about what De Ligt did at Carrington, the coach of the team from Manchester was direct: «Only treatment and recovery».

For now, the frustration and the wait continues for the Netherlands international, who sees his chances of playing again this season dwindling with each passing day: “It's different treatment and different exercises. He's obviously in the gym and working, but he's still not ready for the pitch,” the United manager added.

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