Rhian Wilkinson has voiced her worries for Wales star Ceri Holland after the midfielder was stretchered off during a 2-1 defeat to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League - a potentially devastating blow just months ahead of Wales’ debut at a major tournament.
Holland, who had been Wales' stand-out performer on the night, scored the home side's only goal and was central to their fightback after Signe Bruun had put the visitors in front early on.
But with less than 10 minutes remaining, her night was cut short following a heavy 50-50 collision with Denmark’s Josefine Hasbo.
The Liverpool winger required close to 10 minutes of on-field treatment before being taken to hospital with her right leg placed in a protective boot.
The injury cast a shadow over an otherwise spirited display from Wilkinson’s side.
"I’m concerned and don’t think you can look at it any different way," said Wilkinson.
"She’s gone to hospital to get checked out. She’ll be treated with the best people to get everything she needs.
"It looked like a full-on tackle between two players, no foul. Two women with absolute commitment to the game.
"I hope it’s one of those that just hurts a lot. Fingers crossed, what the news will be.
"She was obviously in a lot of pain and discomfort, and we’ll deal with it when we know what it is.
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"I don’t know anything at this time. But I don’t want us to be guessing, because you can catastrophize things like this."
Wilkinson further praised Holland’s commitment, adding: "She was excellent tonight. She has been for the last few games.
“She gives everything and puts her body on the line. We hope it is just one of those that hurt a lot. Fingers crossed that is what it will be."
Despite the injury and eventual result, Wales had shown resilience to stay in the contest against a Danish side ranked 19 places higher in the world standings.
Holland’s goal had cancelled out Bruun’s opener, and the home side might have even taken the lead had Hannah Cain converted a golden opportunity in the second half.
That missed chance proved costly as Denmark capitalised moments later through substitute Amalie Vangsgaard, whose clinical finish secured all three points for the visitors.
When her opportunity arrived, Vangsgaard made no mistake to fire past home goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Reflecting on the game, Wilkinson didn’t shy away from tough truths.
"I said to Hannah, ‘Do you blame Liv (Olivia Clark) for the loss?’ and she said, ‘No, she had a great game’.
"I said, ‘Absolutely she did and you missed your chance’.
"We’re a team and that chance could have fallen to a team-mate, who could have missed it, and Hannah would have been supportive of that.
"We know we’ve got to score them, but Hannah gives everything for Wales and we must look at things in perspective.
"We are getting those opportunities and going toe to toe with these top nations.
"Hannah is frustrated and should be as she’s a forward. But she had a great game and I’m proud of the performance of the whole team."
The defeat leaves Wales at the foot of Group A4 with a single point from three matches, having previously lost to Italy and drawn with group leaders Sweden.
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But with the team continuing to show signs of growth against top-level opposition, Wilkinson remained focused on the positives—while all eyes will now be on the medical update for their influential midfielder.
Denmark, ranked 12th in the world and 19 places above Wales, led through Bruun’s early strike after seven minutes but were pegged back before half-time by Holland.
Wales had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead as Cain bore down on goal in the 70th minute, only for goalkeeper Maja Bay Ostergaard to win the one-on-one duel.
Denmark worked the same opening within 30 seconds and substitute Vangsgaard, who had squandered a clear-cut opening minutes earlier, slotted home past Clark in the Wales goal.
It ensured Wilkinson’s first home defeat in seven games since taking charge 14 months ago, and leaves Wales with just one point from three Nations League A matches ahead of the Euros in Switzerland.
