International boss in touch with Man Utd star after ‘tough time’ | Football
New Netherlands manager Xavi has been in touch with Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt, hoping to have the defender available again soon after a ‘tough time’.
De Ligt has not played since November 2025 due to a back injury, but is back in training and nearing a return to action.
It has been a complicated process to return to contention, having spent six months trying to recover from the injury before accepting that surgery was required.
The centre-back went under the knife in May, writing on Instagram at the time: ‘After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left.
Sign up for In The Mixer, Metro’s football newsletter
Get exclusive analysis and previews of the biggest games every Friday. Sign up now for free.
‘I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last six months and obviously missing out on the World Cup but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again.’
The Dutchman is not quite back just yet, but is expected to be available when Manchester United return from the current international break.
Xavi does not have De Ligt available to him yet, but is clear that he sees the defender as a big player for him in future.
‘Yes, we’re in touch with him and Manchester United,’ the Netherlands boss said ahead of Nations League fixtures against Germany, Serbia and Greece.
‘He’s been through a tough time. I’ve also been in touch with Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons recently. We need all our players, especially these guys.’
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
He added on De Ligt: ‘He’s doing well. We are checking how are they? We want to check because we need all the players. In this case, De Ligt is an important player. He could be important in the future.’
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has not confirmed that De Ligt will be available when the Red Devils take on Tottenham on October 10, but is hopeful.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, Carrick gave injury updates on three players, telling MUTV: ‘It was good to have Carlos [Baleba] today.
‘Amad [Diallo], hopefully by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That’s a positive. Matta [De Ligt] is working towards his fitness as well.’
MORE: Gary Lineker calls Sir Jim Ratcliffe an ‘unpleasant human being’ amid Man Utd criticism
MORE: Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd mistakes and vows to not repeat them at AC Milan
MORE: Man Utd dealt fresh injury blow as star pulls out of international duty
