'I need shoulder surgery' - Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt in action for Juventus against Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Getty

Matthijs de Ligt confirms he can finally ‘have that shoulder surgery’ after Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League by Olympique Lyonnais.


The Bianconeri were unable to overturn the 1-0 first leg defeat, as with a 2-1 win in Turin last night, they were eliminated on away goals.

That means the 2019-20 season is over for Juve and De Ligt, who has been postponing an operation practically since November.

“Now I need to have that shoulder surgery,” De Ligt told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s something that has to be done, that is going to be my focus now. Obviously, I’m disappointed that we didn’t get through to the next round, but I think that I need some time to recuperate now.”

De Ligt first dislocated his shoulder in November 2019 and it has repeatedly popped out again during games, clearly causing him pain.

Because of the packed fixture list and extended season, the Dutch defender had been putting it off until the campaign had concluded.

He was seen in recent weeks with heavy strapping to his shoulder, all the way down to his arm, to keep it in place.