The Wales Women's squad faces a significant challenge in their World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania next month, with seven players sidelined due to injury. Influential midfielder Ceri Holland, who has missed Liverpool's last three games, is among those unavailable.
Other key players missing due to fitness issues include Olivia Clark, Hayley Ladd, Laura Hughes, Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell, and Mia Ross. The absence of Holland is considered a significant blow, given her importance to the team since Jess Fishlock's retirement in 2025.
In response to the depleted squad, head coach Rhian Wilkinson has handed first senior call-ups to two 18-year-olds: Newcastle United forward Casi Gregson and Tottenham Hotspur wide player Heidi Hills. They are among six uncapped players in the squad.
Wales will travel to Albania for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Friday, 9 October, before hosting the return match in Llanelli four days later. The winners of this tie will advance to face either Norway or Romania in the play-off final in December.