Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson has announced her squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania, marked by the return of Manchester City teenager Mayzee Davies and the notable absence of injured goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Nineteen-year-old Davies has been sidelined for 11 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear while on international duty. Having recently returned to the pitch for Manchester City's under-21 squad, the young defender is back in the Welsh fold. However, Wilkinson cautioned that Davies is unlikely to see match minutes during this camp as she continues her recovery.
"We don't want to put that pressure on at this point, but to have her back with the squad I think is really important," Wilkinson explained regarding the teenager's phased reintegration.
Meanwhile, Leicester City shot-stopper Olivia Clark is unavailable due to a lower leg injury sustained in last month's national team training. While the injury is not considered severe, her absence paves the way for Manchester United's Safia Middleton-Patel to take the reins. With eight caps to her name, Middleton-Patel is now the sole goalkeeper in the current squad with senior international experience and is slated to start both fixtures.
"She will come in as our number one and that's an opportunity for her," Wilkinson noted, adding that Clark remains very much in contention for the starting spot once fully fit.
To bolster the goalkeeping ranks, 22-year-old Lucy Farrell-Shrouder—currently on loan at Stoke City from Burnley—has earned her first senior international call-up. She joins a list of uncapped hopefuls that includes Poppy Soper, Annie Wilding, and Phoebie Poole. Conversely, Gwen Zimmerman, Olivia Francis, and Mary McAteer have been omitted from this month's selection.
The Welsh squad will host Albania at Wrexham's Stoke Cae Ras on April 14, before traveling to the Elbasan Arena for the reverse fixture four days later.
Wales is currently navigating League B in their quest to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Having already secured a crucial away draw against group favorites the Czech Republic and a dominant home victory over Montenegro, Wilkinson's side is determined to finish top of Group B1 to ensure the most favorable playoff path possible.