The Wales women's national team suffered a significant selection blow as Ceri Holland withdrew from the squad for this month's World Cup qualifying matches. Holland will miss both fixtures against Albania after sustaining an injury, according to the Football Association of Wales. The Liverpool midfielder's absence leaves manager Rhian Wilkinson with a gap in the centre of the pitch for the crucial double-header.
Wales travel to Albania for the first meeting on Friday before hosting the return fixture at Rodney Parade four days later. Holland has been a regular starter for the national side, and her withdrawal follows several other injury concerns within the camp. Despite the loss, Wilkinson has not yet named a replacement for the 28-year-old midfielder, per Sky Sports. The remaining squad members assembled at the training base this morning to begin preparations for the trip to Elbasan. Wales currently seek to maintain their position at the top of the qualifying group during this international window.
