Wales’ bid to reach a first-ever major tournament has taken a knock with striker Natasha Harding left out of Gemma Grainger’s 26-woman squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off campaign.
Harding's absence is due to personal reasons, according to Grainger. The Aston Villa forward has won 103 caps and scored 26 goals for Wales. Under Grainger, she has started every match, scoring six goals and creating two more to cement her status as a key performer in the Wales setup. Bristol City midfielder Chloe Bull has been called up as replacement.
Grainger acknowledged the important role Harding plays in terms of both leadership and output, but she stressed that the absence presents Wales with another opportunity to showcase their ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
