Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland will be absent from this weekend’s match against Leicester City due to her ongoing recovery from a calf injury. The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Wales’ UEFA Nations League match against Germany and underwent further assessment upon her return to Merseyside. Fortunately, an MRI scan revealed no long-term damage, but manager Matt Beard has determined that the issue is significant enough to keep Holland out of action for Sunday’s game against the Foxes.
“It’s disappointing that she won’t be fit for this weekend, but we anticipate her return in the following week,” stated Beard. “This is positive news. Losing her is a setback as she has made a strong start to the season, but post international camps, such occurrences are commonplace.”
Holland’s absence provides an opportunity for Missy Bo Kearns to claim a starting position against Leicester. Born in Allerton, Kearns has primarily played an attacking role for Beard’s side this season, but she may now return to her preferred position in midfield for this weekend’s match.
“Missy Bo was unfortunate to not start in the previous game against West Ham,” Beard commented. “She has performed well for us upfront, but she is an exceptional player. Her performance in the England Under-23 camps has been excellent, and serving as captain has given her extra responsibility, which she has handled exceptionally well.”
“It’s fantastic to have such depth and talent within the squad. When we lose players, we have quality players who can step up. That’s why we have built the squad we have during the offseason.”
In addition to Holland, right-back Emma Koivisto may be unavailable for the clash with Leicester due to a hamstring issue. An assessment on Friday revealed the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, striker Leanne Kiernan is still a couple of weeks away from being fit for selection. Nevertheless, the return of Shanice van de Sanden to the matchday squad will bolster Beard’s options, as the winger has yet to feature for the Reds this season.
Liverpool’s recent performances against Leicester have been underwhelming, with the Foxes triumphing in both of last season’s encounters in the WSL before prevailing over Beard’s side in the Conti Cup last month. However, the Reds boss remains confident that his team will be capable of competing against the visitors at Prenton Park on Sunday.
“We should have comfortably won last season’s home game,” recalled Beard. “But we faltered in front of goal. In the away game, we deserved more. Willie Kirk has done an outstanding job with Leicester. Their strong start to the season reflects their previous season’s form. It’s not just a matter of the preseason and these first four games. It’s the result of six months of hard work.”
“They are a challenging team to face. In their last game, Manchester City had numerous opportunities to establish a lead, but they were unable to convert their chances, and Leicester gradually grew into the match. They unsettle their opponents and play an aggressive style. They have committed the most fouls and received the most yellow cards in the league, so it won’t be an easy afternoon. Our focus should be on ourselves, and we have devised a plan to cope with that.”
