Kambwala returns after nine months as Villarreal beat Levante 5-1 | OneFootball

Willy Kambwala made his first competitive appearance as Villarreal beat Levante 5-1, marking a long-awaited return for the French-Congolese defender.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the 21-year-old’s comeback ended a nine-month wait for action. He replaced Pau Navarro in the 81st minute with Villarreal 3-1 up.

Kambwala sustained a left hamstring tear on 31 July during a three-team event in Oviedo against Genoa, underwent surgery and spent more than eight months sidelined. He had been included in several recent squads before this outing.

He joined Villarreal in summer 2024 from Manchester United for about 10 million euros, making 19 appearances in his first season.

Kambwala said he left Saturday’s match very happy after achieving qualification for the Champions League again, which had been the target. He added he is delighted to be playing again, had trained fully since February and now feels ready to compete.

He noted a planned build-up from rehabilitation to this return, admitted there had been difficult moments, and said his focus is on adding minutes through to the end of the season. He thanked the club and the supporters for their backing, calling Villarreal a great family.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo