Man Utd & Netherlands defender De Ligt ruled out of World Cup after undergoing back surgery

[p]The [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]Manchester United[/a] defender is not expected to return until the early stages of next season.[/p][p][b]"[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/de-ligt-matthijs/hhRKVBXN/"]Matthijs de Ligt[/a] has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury,"[/b] United said in a statement on Friday.[/p][p][b]"Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action."[/b][/p][p]De Ligt had made a positive start to this season, playing every minute of United's first 13 Premier League games until the injury halted his progress.[/p][embed guid="b20526d9-c439-415b-8cb6-5fdcf6fe0b45" url="https://x.com/ManUtd/status/2055291262761128275" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"Since November, I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football,"[/b] said the former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/juventus/C06aJvIB/"]Juventus[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bayern-munich/nVp0wiqd/"]Bayern Munich[/a] centre-back.[/p][p][b]"I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career.[/b][/p][p][b]"I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible."[/b][/p]