Wales' injury worries deepen as duo withdraw

Rhian Wilkinson has been dealt two additional injury blows as defender Rhiannon Roberts and goalkeeper Poppy Soper have both withdrawn from the Wales squad to face Albania in the Women's World Cup play-off semi-finals this month.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Chloe Williams and Wrexham goalkeeper Lucy Farrell-Shrouder have both earned call-ups to Wilkinson's 25-player squad as a result of the latest injury blows.

Wales are already without Ceri Holland, Olivia Clark, Hayley Ladd, Laura Hughes, Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell and Mia Ross for the upcoming double header.

Wilkinson's side face Albania at Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder on Friday (17:00 BST).

The return leg at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets will take place on Tuesday, 13 October (19:15 BST) - with the winner of the tie facing either Norway, managed by former Wales boss Gemma Grainger, or Romania in the play-off final in December.

Wilkinson's side faced Albania twice during their qualifying group earlier this year.

Wales beat Armir Grimaj's side 4-0 in Wrexham on 14 April before winning the reverse fixture at Albania's Elbasan Arena 1-0 courtesy of Roberts' 28th minute goal just four days later.

Despite being without several key players, boss Wilkinson feels Wales have enough talent in their ranks to progress into the play-off final.

"I think we have a wonderful squad and real opportunity coming up in this next camp for young players to really grab their spot," Wilkinson said.

"Obviously any coach will want their most experienced squad going into the play-offs, but injuries are what they are and Wales is a country that's really building our depth.

"We don't have unlimited players but what we do have are players with a lot of experience because we've given it to them through our youth squads but equally by bringing them up to the seniors."