Overview
- He has been sidelined since a back injury suffered on November 30 against Crystal Palace, missing 15 matches this season.
- Reports indicate he is not expected to be ready for the upcoming trip to Everton, with early March targeted for his comeback and Crystal Palace on March 1 mentioned as a possibility.
- Club medics have kept him on a rehab program at Carrington that has so far avoided surgery after a minor setback last month.
- Michael Carrick has leaned on a Harry Maguire–Lisandro Martínez partnership during De Ligt’s absence, with United unbeaten in five under the interim coach.
- The timeline carries stakes for both Manchester United’s push for a top‑four finish and De Ligt’s bid to make the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.