Wales' crucial World Cup qualifying campaign has hit a major setback, with influential midfielder Ceri Holland ruled out of this month's vital double-header against Albania due to injury.

The 28-year-old Liverpool star, a versatile and experienced cornerstone of Rhian Wilkinson's squad with 52 caps, has withdrawn alongside Newcastle defender Lois Joel. Holland's absence is a significant blow, as her energy and creativity in midfield are often key to Wales' tempo and transition play.

In response, manager Rhian Wilkinson has called up forward Olivia Francis to bolster the attacking options. The squad will now regroup ahead of a critical week, first hosting Albania at the Stok Cae Ras in Wrexham on April 14th before the challenging away fixture in Elbasan just four days later.

With World Cup qualification on the line, Wales will need other leaders in the squad to step up and fill the void left by one of their most important players during this pivotal international break.