Ingle facing Euros race against time

FAW / Ashley Crowden

Sophie Ingle remains absent from the Wales squad ahead of their final two games in the Women's Nations League.

The former captain is now facing a race against time to be fit for the Women's Euros in Switzerland - with Rhian Wilkinson naming her squad next month.

Ingle, who announced her departure from Chelsea earlier this month, has missed the entire season due to an ACL injury she picked up during a pre-season game against Feyenoord last September.

Speaking on Tuesday, Wilkinson rated Ingle's chances of reaching the tournament as '50-50; although her recovery is believed to be ahead of schedule.

The manager said: "She's doing really well...she's not part of this camp because I thought it would interfere with her return to play."

"She's joining us after Denmark, so she will be part of this camp but not rostered".

Wilkinson also praised Chelsea for their handling of Ingle's recovery but said she needed to see the Llandough-born midfielder herself and have "clear conversations" before decding her fate, adding: "I do want her back but not at the risk of Sophie Ingle's knee."

Meanwhile, Jess Fishlock has been named in the 28-player squad to face Denmark and Italy, despite missing their 1-1 draw with Sweden in Gothenburg last month due to injury.

And Liverpool forward Ceri Holland returns after she was stretchered off with a leg injury during last month's 2-1 defeat to Denmark in Cardiff

It marks Wales' final two competitive tests ahead of their first ever appearance at a major tournament.

Gwalia United goalkeeper Laura O'Sullivan Jones has already been ruled out due to an ACL injury, which has also dashed her hopes of reaching the Euros.

But Manchester United midifelder Mared Griffiths and Aston Villa keeper Soffia Kelly have been called up to the squad following their impressive showing in qualifying for the Under 19s Women's Euros last month.

Wales' place in League A of the Women's Nations League remains at stake with the side yet to claim their first group win this year, despite two highly credible draws over World Cup bronze medalists Sweden, both home and away.

They'll face Denmark in Odense on Friday 30th May, followed by their final home game against Italy at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday 3rd June.

Regardless of how their Nations League campaign ends, attention will turn to Rhian Wilkinson's journey to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, where she'll announce her Euros squad on Thursday 19th June.

The FAW says the event will align with UEFA's own tagline for the tournament - "the summit of emotions".

Wilkinson said: "Being able to announce our first ever major tournament squad on Wales’ summit will be a truly special occasion."

"The area is very close to my heart having visited regularly with my family during my time growing up in Wales and since then, and it is also a place that’s incredibly special for several of our players."

"We hope that hosting the event on the summit will showcase our country’s natural beauty and will help put Wales on the world stage during our participation in this summer’s Euros."

Wales squad to face Denmark and Italy: Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Soffia Kelly (Aston Villa), Poppy Soper (Blackburn Rovers), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Josie Green (Crystal Palace), Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Gemma Evans (Liverpool), Mayzee Davies (Manchester City), Lily Woodham (Crystal Palace, on loan from Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Alice Griffiths (Durham, on loan from Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (Newcastle United), Carrie Jones (IFK Norrköping), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Rachel Rowe (Southampton), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Tianna Teisar (Bristol City), Hannah Cain (Leicester City), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace), Mared Griffiths (Manchester United).

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