Matthijs De Ligt Could Miss Rest Of Season As Michael Carrick Issues Injury Updates

Manchester United have seen their fair share of injuries this season, but none have been more perplexing than Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutch international started all 13 of United's opening 13 Premier League games, but following a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at the end of November, De Ligt was ruled out with what was initially stated as a minor back problem.

But, as the weeks went on, former United boss Rúben Amorim was unable to provide any further clarity on the 26-year-old's situation, with ex-interim coach Darren Fletcher facing the same.

Now, with Michael Carrick in charge of the squad, the United manager has done his best to clarify why De Ligt has remained out of action, but there is still no date set for his return.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Bournemouth tie, Carrick was asked point-blank if there is a risk the Dutchman could miss the rest of United's campaign.

“Honestly, it's difficult to say," he replied. "I think it's just because it's taken that much time. Yeah, I can't give you any more on it, really. It's one of those things with backs that, sometimes, you think it's alright and then, all of a sudden, it's not quite right.

"So, we're just kind of being patient and working through it, and we'll just have to see. We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quickly as we can. But it's really difficult to say. I am not trying to hide anything.

"Literally, at the moment, we don't know, so we'll have to wait and see.”

Later, Carrick also stressed,  “It's like any injury. It’s trying to get the balance right. Some are a little bit more straightforward than others. Yeah, it's kind of it is what it is, really.

"Hopefully, listen, he's improving. It's not improving as quickly as we all hope, but we'll see how it goes.”

Elsewhere, United were hoping to be able to bring defender Lisandro Martínez back into the fold ahead of the Friday night tie, but Carrick delivered the unfortunate news that although he is "closer," he won't be available to play.

Noussair Mazraoui was not spotted in training on Wednesday morning, but the United boss confirmed it was due to a minor illness rather than an injury.

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu has been out of action since January due to a hamstring injury. Carrick explained that the Dane is “a bit further down the line” than Martínez, although with three weeks until United’s next game after Bournemouth, he could return to training then.

Meanwhile, Carrick has also urged caution over the return of Mason Mount. The English midfielder returned to duty earlier this month, but the United boss has already said he feels it's too early for Mount to be starting any games.

"Starting would be too much, I think, at this point, [for Mason]," Carrick said on Wednesday.

"Just for the training time and the exposure he's had, really. But it's brilliant to have him back. He's a fantastic player, Mason, and great to have around the group again.

"So [I'm] delighted to have him back and, obviously, the break coming up now gives him a chance to get even more up to speed. So, in some ways, that's come at a good time for him."