Matthijs de Ligt is receiving ‘extra treatment’ for his back injury in hopes of having him return as swiftly as possible.

The centre-half had started every Premier League game, playing the full 90 minutes in each, before suffering his setback just before Manchester United’s clash with West Ham last Thursday.

What’s happening with Matthijs de Ligt?(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

According to trusted United insider Sully on X/Twitter, Ruben Amorim and the coaching staff’s decision to omit De Ligt from the squad for gameweek 14 and 15 has been more of a ‘precautionary’ measure.

Matthjis de Ligt has been having extra treatment set by the club this week to deal with a minor back issue. Described more so as 'soreness' rather than an injury. #MUFC taking precautionary steps. Return expected soon if rehab goes well @centredevils https://t.co/tNKVnK8avA

— Sully (@SullyTalkz) December 12, 2025

After reporting ‘soreness’ in his back following the win over Crystal Palace, they thought it would make more sense to leave him out for a short period and allow him to undergo rehabilitation at Carrington, rather than continue playing him and risk the issue turning into a full-blown injury.

Even still, Amorim did confirm earlier today that the Dutch international would not be available for Monday’s encounter against Bournemouth.

| Ruben Amorim on Matthijs de Ligt's injury:

"I think he has something in his back. I don't know for sure. He finished the game against Crystal Palace, but sometimes he feels pain, and we have to be careful with that." pic.twitter.com/CxbPrzkhxN

— centredevils. (@centredevils) December 12, 2025

The Cherries have claimed successive 3-0 wins at Old Trafford in their last two visits, so having De Ligt in the fold would’ve made Amorim feel slightly more confident heading into the contest.

Who else is ruled out for Bournemouth’s visit?(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As well as De Ligt, the boss also revealed that Harry Maguire is still sidelined.

He has been out of action since before the November international break, when he was forced off in the 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Benjamin Sesko also suffered an injury in that game and, despite recovering from his layoff, he has come down with a case of food poisoning this week, meaning his involvement is up in the air.

Read more: Amorim told he has a player in his ranks who’s ‘absolutely sensational’ and ‘fantastic’ every time he plays