Young defender Willy Kambwala has been called up by Manchester United to train with the first squad.

The club started preparing for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal by doing a training session at Carrington. Erik Ten Hag was the coach.

When possible, the manager likes to include young players in the action to monitor their growth and consider potential future possibilities.

Countryman Anthony Martial, who was in good health after making his first Premier League start of the year, was spotted with Willy Kambwala.

Who is Willy Kambwala

Willy Kambwala was acquired by Manchester United in October 2020 from French club Sochaux. Only 16 years old at the time.Before getting hurt, the young center defender had a promising start for the under-18s; ever since his career at the club has been stop-start.

The 19-year-old defender from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has already appeared twice for the under-21 team this year. One of these instances occurred last week when he stood out on the field against Stockport in the EFL Trophy. Since signing, Kambwala has only been able to make 24 appearances at the academy level, and eight of those have been at the under-21 level.

No photo of Raphael VaraneThe timing of Kambwala’s call-up to train with the first team after Raphael Varane’s injury over the weekend is particularly noteworthy. Erik ten Hag will be evaluating the Frenchman’s defensive depth while he is out injured.