Matthijs de Ligt
MUNNetherlands
Right
Aug 12, 1999
26
6'2"
196 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
Man UtdNot training yet
De Ligt (back) is still absent from the team's work during their training camp in Dublin.
Analysis: De Ligt is struggling to completely overcome a back problem that has prevented him from playing since November. Thus, the defender will likely miss at least a few more games before bouncing back to game action. Meanwhile, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez (calf) and, once he serves his ban, Harry Maguire, will be the squad's main center-back options.
Working on comeback
De Ligt (back) remains working on his comeback and is still at least a few weeks away from returning, according to manager Mickael Carrick. ""He's obviously trying to work to get back, but it's just the back issue, really, that's proving difficult. We'll keep working as hard as we can to get him back as quickly as we can."
Analysis: De Ligt is still progressing through his back injury and remains outside the group, having yet to even be reported training with his teammates. This has been a rough spell for the defender as he now just hopes he can see the field in April, or else it will be a close call to even return this season. With United seeing a recent boost under new management, the defender will be eager to get back and stake his claim as one of the better defenders in the world, last playing Nov. 30.
Recovering slow, still a bit behind
De Ligt (back) is still working toward a return and will likely not be ready for another few weeks to a month, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matthijs, he's had a back issue which has been slower to progress. It's something we've been working through, and he's getting there. He's in the right direction, but just further behind. It's part of football, unfortunately, so we'll get him back when we can. It's just the nature of the issue, really. It's a difficult one to pin down a timeline. He's definitely improving, so we're just working towards that really. I can't give you more at this stage."
Analysis: De Ligt is still not nearing a return as his back issue takes a bit longer to heal, still yet to see any type of training. This will likely leave a return for the defender a good few weeks to a month away, just hoping to have him fit for a decent chunk of the end of the season. He has yet to play since Nov. 30, a brutal loss of play for the defender and club.
Still progressing
De Ligt (back) is out for Monday's match against Everton and is likely out another game as well, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta, a little bit working towards it, but as I said last week, he's a little bit behind Mason, really, so we're just trying to work with him, to progress him, to get him a bit closer."
Analysis: De Ligt is still working towards a return to play after a back injury has left him out since November, a brutal run for the defender. He is likely to remain out another two games, including the Everton match, as he remains behind Mason Mount in terms of recovery, and Mount is out to face the Toffees as well. Once De Ligt is fit, a starting role should be waiting, not missing a single start until his injury.
Trending towards being an option
De Ligt (back) is still working back from injury and could be an option to face Everton on Feb. 23, according to manager Michael Carrick. Matta, we'll see how he develops over the, you know... the Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we'll see how he develops, but he's positive, he's moving in the right direction, but Mason's a little bit closer than him."
Analysis: De Ligt is in around the same situation he was in before their last game, and is still working for a return, not an option to face West Ham on Tuesday, but eying a return against Everton on Feb. 23. However, it appears he will be a close call for the game, potentially missing out if he still needs time. The club waits for his return after their mid-season resurgence under new management, as he hadn't missed a start all season up until the injury.
Inching closer to return
De Ligt (back) is inching closer to a return but won't be an option to face Tottenham on Saturday, manager Michael Carrick told media during Thursday's press conference. "Matta [De Ligt], he's working his way back, taking good steps and improving. It's a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won't be too long [before De Ligt is back]."
Analysis: De Ligt won't be available to face the Spurs, and it seems the quick turnaround against West Ham on Feb. 10 will also come too soon for the defender. The Dutchman is progressing well, though, and he could be ready to be an option for defensive depth in the next few weeks. He'd have to compete with Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire for minutes at center-back, though.
No timetable to return
De Ligt (back) won't play against Arsenal on Sunday and doesn't have an exact timeline for a return, manager Michael Carrick told media Friday. "I think it was just a little bit slower than initially hoped but he's certainly getting closer," Carrick said of De Ligt. "Hopefully, the next couple of weeks, without putting an exact timeline on it, he'll be back and it'll be great to have him back."
Analysis: De Ligt hasn't played since Nov. 30, and this will be his 11th straight absence across all competitions. The Dutchman is likely a few weeks away from returning, according to Carrick, but he seems to be trending in the right direction. He'll compete for a spot at center-back alongside Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez once he's back to full fitness.
Won't play in derby
De Ligt (back) won't be available for Saturday's derby against Manchester City, manager Michael Carrick told media Friday. "[Matthijs] de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue but, hopefully, we'll get him back in some time soon. It's been a little bit slower than what they thought previously."
Analysis: De Ligt is set to miss a 10th straight game with a nagging back injury, and based on Carrick's words, there's no timetable for his return. This means Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez are set to battle for the two spots at center-back in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 scheme.
Still working with staff
De Ligt (back) is still working with the medical staff and not yet ready to feature, coach Ruben Amorim said in the press conference. "We are still working with him, he is not available for this one."
Analysis: De Ligt is still not an option for Manchester United as he is still working with the medical staff to recover from his back issues. The center-back's absence is reducing the options in the backline, with Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro seeing increased playing time in the defense.
Still recovering from injury
De Ligt (back) is still recovering from a back injury and not available for the time being, the club announced.
Analysis: De Ligt missed the last three games due to a back injury and won't return for Sunday's clash against Aston Villa. The extent of his injury remains unknown, and his timeline to return has yet to be defined. The center-back will hope to return before the end of the year, as the Red Devils will need him fit given the lack of options in the backline, with Noussair Mazraoui set to play in the AFCON. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are expected to see increased playing time while De Ligt is sidelined.
Remains out
De Ligt (back) remains out for the time being due to a minor injury, coach Ruben Amorim said in the press conference. "De Ligt is out. I think he has something in his back. It is not a big injury as he finished the game against Crystal Palace. We have to be careful with that."
Analysis: De Ligt is still dealing with the back injury that sidelined him in the last two games and won't be an option for Monday's clash against Bournemouth. This is a blow for Manchester United since he is an undisputed starter when fit and available and a change will have to be made in the back-three, with Ayden Heaven or Leny Yoro as likely options to replace him while he is out.
Not available
De Ligt (hamstring) is still out for Monday's trip to Wolves.
Analysis: De Ligt was expected to return for Monday's clash, but instead he's left out of the squad entirely. This injury was originally meant to be a small one, but he's now missed two matches in a row. Ayden Heaven is back in the starting XI for Monday's clash.
Should be available Monday
De Ligt (undisclosed) should be available for Monday's clash against Wolves, coach Ruben Amorim said in the press conference. "I think so, we'll see."
Analysis: De Ligt missed Thursday's draw against West Ham United due to an injury that seems to be minor since coach Ruben Amorim expected him to be back available for Monday's clash against Wolves. The center-back will claim back his undisputed starting role in the back-three of the Red Devils if deemed fit for the game.
Missing Thursday
De Ligt isn't in the squad for Thursday's clash with West Ham. "For Matta, it is a small thing. I expect to have Matthijs next game [at Molineux]."
Analysis: De Ligt wasn't included in the squad for Thursday's clash, as it appears he was one of the two injury doubts (alongside Bruno Fernandes) that manager Ruben Amorim mentioned pre-match. Fernandes was deemed fit enough to start but De Ligt wasn't included in the squad. Ayden Heaven gets the start at center-back Thursday.
Scores equalizer Saturday
De Ligt scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: De Ligt scored his first goal of the season Saturday and it came at the perfect time. After Spurs scored a pair of late goals and looked set to steal the win, De Ligt scored a towering header in the 96th minute off a Bruno Fernandes corner to tie the match at two goals a piece. He played well on the defensive end too as he won four duels, intercepted two passes and made six clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.
Ever-present in starting lineup
De Ligt has started and played the full 90 in each of Manchester United's seven Premier League matches this season.
Analysis: There's a strong argument to say the Dutchman has been Manchester United's most reliable defender this season, though that doesn't really say much given the team's struggles. In seven EPL starts, De Ligt has five shots, 15 tackles, 36 clearances and eight interceptions.
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