Peterborough United’s pre-season preparations took on added significance after Tuesday night’s 2-1 friendly win at York City, with manager Luke Williams saying he must now decide whether to offer a place to trialist Wanya Marçal and revealing encouraging news on two long-term injury cases.
Decision looming over trialist Wanya Marçal
Marçal, a 23-year-old winger who spent part of his youth career in the Posh Academy before joining Leicester City aged 12, made his third appearance for Peterborough in the match at the LNER Community Stadium. Williams acknowledged the club face a selection dilemma as they weigh the needs of players already under contract against giving opportunities to those on trial.
“It’s a difficult situation with Wanya,” Williams told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire after the York match. “All players already here need minutes, but we also have to give those we are looking at, a chance to play… I will have some conversations with the key people and make a call then. It’s not fair just to keep him here.”
Marçal is currently a free agent after being released by Leicester at the end of last season. His performances in pre-season, coupled with the recent departure of Kyrell Lisbie to Millwall, have opened a possible vacancy in the squad.
Injury returns brighten pre-season outlook
Williams also provided encouraging updates on central defenders Sam Hughes and Tom O’Connor. Both have been sidelined with long-term issues but are now training with the first team and could be considered for Saturday’s final warm-up fixture against West Bromwich Albion at the Weston Homes Stadium, if their progress continues without setbacks.
| Player | Position | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Hughes | Centre-back | Training with first-team; possible selection vs West Brom |
| Tom O’Connor | Centre-back | Training with first-team; possible selection vs West Brom |
Williams praised the lift to the squad from their return to training, describing both as experienced and talented additions should they be deemed ready to play.
Squad competition and set-piece progress
The manager highlighted the performances of existing squad members pressing to fill the midfield role vacated by Archie Collins, singling out Carl Johnston and Ben Woods for strong showings. The match itself saw Peterborough score from a corner routine and finish the evening with goals from Brandon Khela and James Dornelly.
- Williams must decide whether to sign or release trialist Wanya Marçal after his third appearance.
- Sam Hughes and Tom O’Connor are training with the first team and could be available for the weekend friendly.
- Midfielders Carl Johnston and Ben Woods have made a claim for the role vacated by Archie Collins.
As pre-season enters its final phase, decisions on squad composition and the fitness of key defenders will be watched closely by supporters in Peterborough eager for clarity ahead of the competitive campaign.
