Carrick has no date for injured De Ligt's return

Matthijs de Ligt has made 56 appearances and scored three goals for Manchester United Manchester United boss Michael Carrick admits he has no idea when Matthijs de Ligt will be fit to play again. De Ligt was an ever-present in the team's defence for the first 13 games of the season before he unexpectedly missed the home game with West Ham on 4 December. At the time, head coach Ruben Amorim said it was a "small thing" and he expected to have the Dutchman back for the trip to Wolves four days later. As it turned out, De Ligt never played for Amorim again. He is still to recover from his back injury and given he is missing this weekend's game against Bournemouth, the 26-year-old will have been out of action for more than four months by the time Manchester United next play again, against Leeds at Old Trafford on 13 April. Carrick would not speculate when asked if there was a possibility De Ligt might not be able to play again for the remainder of the campaign. However, he acknowledged the nature of the injury meant it was impossible to put a timescale on his return. "It's difficult to say, just because it's taken that much time," he said. "With backs sometimes you think it's all right and all of a sudden it's not quite right. "We're just being patient and working through it. We'll give him time and try to get him back as quickly as we can, but it's really difficult to say." It had been anticipated De Ligt would be part of the Netherlands squad at this summer's World Cup after being picked by national coach Ronald Koeman for qualifying matches in September and November. Those hopes are now receding as De Ligt struggles to find a solution to his back issue, although Carrick opted not to engage in thoughts the former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich player might have to undergo surgery. "I don't want to get into that at this stage," he said. "We'll try and do whatever we can to help and we're working through that now. "I'm not trying to hide anything. He's improving. It's just not as quick as we all hope." Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Ask about Man Utd - what do you want to know? Who will be England's World Cup number 10? Tuchel's selection dilemmas My plan to overhaul academy system and help young players Famous night for Forest in season to largely forget A new spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Follow Greg James on his most gruelling challenge yet Revisit This Life and celebrate 30 years of a 1990s classic Join Shazia Mirza as she shares her journey with Islam The Man Utd prodigy still too young to play senior football How Gray is proving a shining light in Tottenham's season of turmoil 'I thought I'd be bleeped by BBC' - but Hunt's words resonate Salah scores 50th Champions League goal with 'vintage' strike Video Salah scores 50th Champions League goal with 'vintage' strike Newcastle collapse at Nou Camp as Barcelona score seven. Video Newcastle collapse at Nou Camp as Barcelona score seven Weekly sports quiz: Who is youngest top-flight scorer? Football In 10 Years: When Hugh met Jacqui met Nedum met Rory... Video Football In 10 Years: When Hugh met Jacqui met Nedum met Rory... Afcon final chaos - key questions answered What's behind Super League's injury crisis? Why ex-Palace winger Olise is now in Ballon d'Or contention at Bayern 'Being in Manchester has made me love nature so much more' Video 'Being in Manchester has made me love nature so much more' Inside the state school at the top of English rugby union 'Looking like the Hamilton of old' and potential rule changes - F1 Q&A Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? 'Haaland of rugby' - how Bielle-Biarrey has stormed stage Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.