Wales without seven players for World Cup play-off
Ceri Holland is one of seven players who will miss out through injury when a depleted Wales squad take on Albania in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final next month.
Ceri Holland, Liverpool's player of the season in 2025-26, will miss Wales' Women's World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania due to injury. Holland was left out of the squad as she had been sidelined for Liverpool's past three games. Additional players unable to participate include Olivia Clark, Hayley Ladd, Laura Hughes, Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell, and Mia Ross, all sidelined for fitness reasons.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson has promoted two 18-year-olds, Newcastle United's Casi Gregson and Tottenham Hotspur's Heidi Hills, to the senior Wales team. Wales will play their first leg against Albania on October 9th in Llanelli, with the winners advancing to face Norway or Romania in the play-off final in December. If Wales progresses through both play-off rounds, they may face an inter-confederation play-off early next year to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Brazil.
The absence of Holland is a significant blow for Wilkinson, as she has become one of the most crucial players since Jess Fishlock's retirement in 2025.
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- Wales without seven players for World Cup play-off sports.yahoo.com
