Man Utd include surprise injured star in pre-season squad 254 days since he last played a game

MATTHIJS DE LIGT was all smiles as he took part in Manchester United training in Dublin. The defender, 26, has been out since last November due to a back injury. Matthijs de Ligt trains with his team-mates in Ireland Credit: Getty The towering defender has been sidelined since last November Credit: Getty De Ligt’s last game came 254 days ago, in United’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on November 30. The Dutchman underwent surgery in May in a bid to finally fully recover from the issue. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Prior to this week, De Ligt’s pre-season had been limited to doing rehab at Carrington. But as he continues to step up his recovery, the towering centre-back joined up with his team-mates in Ireland as they prepare to take on Leeds in Dublin this evening. De Ligt is not ready to play and won’t be involved in the match. While he did train at United’s temporary Ireland HQ, De Ligt was not involved in the full session. The former Juventus and Bayern Munich star remains expected to miss the start of the season. This week’s trip will have allowed him to take part in valuable team bonding. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS De Ligt, 26, signs autographs for fans in Ireland Credit: Getty De Ligt has made 56 appearances for United, scoring three goals. His upcoming return will be a boost to boss Michael Carrick, who is yet to have had De Ligt available during the entirety of his time in charge. Benjamin Sesko also joined up with United in Ireland having recently been sidelined by a shin injury. The forward is unlikely to play against Leeds this evening. But there is a chance that he could feature against AC Milan this Saturday in Poland, as United lock horns with former boss Ruben Amorim. Benjamin Sesko trains in Ireland ahead of a potential return Credit: Getty Comment now