Willy Kambwala has suffered a significant setback after medical tests confirmed a tear in his left hamstring, dealing a heavy blow to the young Franco-Congolese defender’s preparations for the new season.
The injury occurred during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Genoa in Oviedo on Thursday, July 31.
Kambwala, who had been showing promising form throughout the club’s summer fixtures, was forced to leave the field prematurely after feeling discomfort in his left leg during the first half.
Immediate concerns among the coaching staff and medical team were, regrettably, validated by subsequent examinations.
The 19-year-old, who has been tipped for a breakthrough season, now faces an uncertain recovery timeline as Manchester United’s medical department collaborates with specialists to determine the best course of action for his rehabilitation.
While the severity of the muscle tear has been established, the club has yet to provide an official estimate on how long Kambwala will be sidelined.
Further assessments will be carried out to map out the recovery process, but at this moment, it’s too early to predict a definitive return date, a source within the club’s medical team told reporters.
Kambwala’s injury comes at an unfortunate juncture, as the defender had been gaining momentum in pre-season, impressing both fans and coaching staff with his composure and physical presence at the back.
Having been part of United’s youth setup since his move from Sochaux, the centre-back was aiming to push for more first-team opportunities in the upcoming campaign.
The setback not only disrupts his personal ambitions but also leaves Manchester United with a gap in their defensive options as they gear up for the new Premier League season.
Manager Erik ten Hag had praised Kambwala’s development earlier in the summer, highlighting his adaptability and reading of the game as assets to the squad’s defensive depth.
As Kambwala begins his recovery journey, the focus will be on ensuring a complete and careful rehabilitation to prevent any recurrence of the injury.
For now, Manchester United and their supporters await further updates, hopeful that the talented youngster will return stronger from this latest challenge.
The club is expected to issue an official statement once a clearer picture emerges regarding the duration of his absence.
