De Ligt has returned to Manchester United’s group training after almost ten months out with a serious back injury, although it remains unclear whether the defender will be available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
The Netherlands international last played for United on 30 November 2025, when Michael Carrick’s side won 2-1 away to Crystal Palace. His prolonged absence also meant he missed the World Cup in the United States last summer.
De Ligt’s participation in Monday’s session represents a positive step, but Manchester United are understood to be taking a cautious approach to his recovery. The club are keen to avoid rushing the 27-year-old back into competitive action before he is ready.
Carrick had offered encouraging news about the former Ajax and Bayern Munich defender at the end of August, confirming that he was back in training but not yet ready to play.
“Matthijs has been out for a very long time, of course, but he is training again and it is good to have him back. He will not play, but he is in good shape and going in the right direction. That is a real bonus for us at the moment,” the United manager said.
Seven weeks later, a return to match action is still awaited. De Ligt has been building towards a comeback, but the length of his lay-off means the club must carefully manage his workload and match fitness.
His potential availability is particularly relevant as United prepare for a difficult away fixture in Madrid. It is not yet known whether he will travel with the squad or be included among the substitutes.
Carrick could provide a further update at his pre-match press conference before the team faces Atletico. Even if De Ligt is not ready to feature, his return to group training is an encouraging development for a defence that has had to cope without him for much of the year.
United will also be without Noussair Mazraoui for the trip, according to reports in the Manchester press. The Moroccan defender reportedly picked up an injury while on international duty, further limiting Carrick’s options.
For De Ligt, the immediate priority remains completing his recovery rather than meeting a particular deadline. After such a long absence, United are determined to ensure that his next appearance comes only when he is ready to return.