Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt has been dealt a devastating blow after undergoing back surgery, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup and ending his season prematurely. The 26-year-old Dutch defender, who hasn't played for the Red Devils since late November, underwent a "corrective procedure" after months of rehabilitation failed to resolve the issue.

De Ligt's absence is a major setback for both club and country. The center-back made a promising start to the campaign but has been limited to just 14 appearances this term, with his last outing coming in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. United confirmed he will begin "a new phase of his recovery" and is expected to return early in the 2026-27 season.

Taking to Instagram from his hospital bed, de Ligt shared a photo with a thumbs-up and an honest message: "After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left. I'm disappointed I couldn't help the team the last six months and obviously missing out on the World Cup."

The timing couldn't be worse for the Netherlands, who are set to open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14, followed by Sweden and Tunisia. With 52 international caps and experience at three major tournaments, de Ligt was a strong candidate to partner captain Virgil van Dijk in defense. While he was an unused substitute throughout Euro 2024, his experience would have been invaluable for Ronald Koeman's squad.

De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in August 2024 and impressed in his debut season with 42 appearances across all competitions. However, this latest setback has turned a promising second season into a nightmare, with the club confirming he won't add to his tally this year. For now, the focus is on recovery—and the hope of returning stronger for the 2026-27 campaign.