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Manchester United<\/a> centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is set to return to action next month after his lengthy injury, as per The Sun<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n De Ligt has been sidelined since the end of November, missing United\u2019s last 15 Premier League<\/a> fixtures after sustaining an injury in the 2\u20131 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on November 30.<\/p>\n The 26-year-old has been out with a lower back issue sustained during that victory in South London. Former head coach Ruben Amorim initially suggested he would return quickly, but the centre-back has yet to resume full first-team training.<\/p>\n According to The Sun<\/em>, De Ligt was close to returning to action on the pitch last month but suffered a minor setback that ruled him out.<\/p>\n Although the setback halted his return, the former Ajax and Juventus man is undergoing rehab with the club\u2019s physios at Carrington, having successfully avoided surgery, The Sun<\/em> adds.<\/p>\n It appears the Dutchman could now finally make his first appearance since November, as the report adds that De Ligt is eyeing a return to the pitch in March, in a boost to Michael Carrick\u2019s Champions League<\/a> pursuit.<\/p>\n With barely three months left till the season\u2019s finale, the 6ft 2in centre-back is optimistic that he could still make Ronald Koeman\u2019s final Netherlands squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the report.<\/p>\n With De Ligt potentially returning soon, the timing could be significant for United as they look to secure Champions League football.<\/p>\n In his last press conference, Carrick revealed that the Netherlands international was on the right track, saying.<\/p>\n \u2018Matta, we\u2019ll see how he develops over the, you know\u2026 The Everton<\/a> game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we\u2019ll see how he develops, but he\u2019s positive; he\u2019s moving in the right direction, but Mason\u2019s a little bit closer than him.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n If he is in contention for the trip to Everton on\u00a0February 23, then a return against Crystal Palace on March 1 looks realistic. The following run of games, starting with the away trip to\u00a0Newcastle United<\/a>\u00a0and then a home clash with\u00a0Aston Villa<\/a>,\u00a0could prove decisive in the race for a top-four finish in the\u00a0Premier League.<\/p>\n![\"Rememore](\"https:\/\/football-talk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FootballTalk_New_Chapter-rememore.png\")
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