Liverpool Women have been dealt a huge injury blow, with midfielder Ceri Holland set to be sidelined for several weeks with a groin problem.
The Wales international has been a regular fixture in the centre of the park for the Reds this season, but was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City after pulling up in the warm-up. The 24-year-old underwent a scan on Monday, which revealed she had sustained a groin injury that could see her miss up to four weeks.
Holland had been set to join up with Wales, who will take on Finland during the upcoming international break. However, the midfielder has now been withdrawn from Gemma Grainger's squad as she begins her treatment on Merseyside.
READ MORE: Everton Women given 'wake up call' in Manchester United defeat
READ MORE: Liverpool Women move top of Continental Cup group with 4-0 win over Leicester City
Liverpool boss Matt Beard has described Holland's injury as a "blow" for his team but believes it could offer an opportunity for other players in the squad to show their quality. The Reds have endured a tough start to the season, picking up just three points from their first five games.
They currently sit ninth in the table and face a potentially season-defining run of games after starting their campaign with a host of difficult fixtures against four of last season's top five. Liverpool will look to climb up the table ahead of the two-week international break with Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Carla Ward's side have also struggled for form this season and sit eighth in the table after losing three of their last four league games. While Matt Beard won't be able to call on Holland's services in the clash, the return of Dutch international Shanice van de Sanden will help boost Liverpool's attacking options against the Villans.
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from reachsportshop.com/https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
READ NEXT:
- Everton fall to third defeat of season as Manchester United continue perfect record
- James Tarkowski offers Conor Coady Everton insight as 'aggressive' Aleksandar Mitrovic point made
- Liverpool Women handed injury boost as Champions League winner closes in on return
- What Everton must do next after baffling VAR call as major area for improvement identified
- Vitalii Mykolenko handed new Frank Lampard challenge as Everton defender adds 'extra threat'
