Manchester United have called up young defender Willy Kambwala into first team training.
Erik ten Hag‘s players were at Carrington for a training session as the team began preparing for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.
The manager is always keen to bring young players into the mix where he can, to cast an eye over their development with a view to future opportunities.
Willy Kambwala was pictured alongside countryman Anthony Martial, who was showing no ill effects from his first Premier League start of the season.
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Who is Willy Kambwala
Manchester United signed Willy Kambwala in October 2020 from French side Sochaux. He was just 16 at the time.
The young centre-back made a strong start for the under-18s before suffering an injury, and his career at the club has been stop-start since.
The DR Congo born defender is now 19, and has played twice for the under-21s so far this season. One of these was in the EFL Trophy against Stockport last week, when he was one of the standout players on the pitch.
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Kambwala has been restricted to only 24 appearances at academy level since he signed, with just eight at under-21 level to date.
Raphael Varane not pictured
Kambwala being called up to train with the first team is especially notable in terms of timing after Raphael Varane’s injury at the weekend.
The Frenchman faces a spell on the sidelines, and Erik ten Hag will be assessing his defensive depth.