Liverpool head into the new season with selection headaches to solve before a ball is even kicked.
Gareth Taylor’s squad has been hit by a cluster of fitness issues in the final days of pre-season preparation.
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The timing is awkward, with a league opener away from home already on the horizon. The head coach used his pre-match press conference to lay out exactly where his squad stands.
Taylor’s side travel to Charlton Athletic on Sunday to begin their campaign. Several first-team options will be unavailable for the trip to The Valley.
Attacker Anna Josendal is the most significant absence. She has sustained a hamstring injury that will keep her out for a period of time, though Taylor confirmed it does not require surgery.
“We have a couple of small issues,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately, Anna Josendal, who has had a really good pre-season, has sustained a slight issue with her hamstring which is going to keep her out for a period of time.”
He added that Josendal has struggled with fitness since joining the club.
“It’s a shame that one because Anna has had a tough ride since she’s come in with niggling injuries and can’t quite get right. We’ve seen there’s a really good player in there, so a shame.”
The fixture marks the start of Liverpool Women 2026-27 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.
Summer signing Mao Itamura is also sidelined. She has withdrawn from Japan’s U20 Women’s World Cup squad after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Taylor had already expected to lose Itamura for the opening weeks of the season due to the tournament.
“Of course, we were going to lose those players for probably the first four or five games of the season due to the World Cup,” Taylor said.
“But obviously Mao has suffered with an abdominal issue and has had surgery. That’s going to keep her out for a period of time, which is a shame.”
Fellow new arrival Mari Ward is a doubt for Sunday’s fixture. Taylor described her issue as minor.
“Mari Ward is going to be touch and go whether she’s available. That’s just a bit of a niggly one which wouldn’t keep her out too long.”
Liverpool Women right-back Lucy Parry is also uncertain for the opener.
“Lucy Parry is close but probably not going to be able to be ready for the squad this weekend,” Taylor said.
Sophie Roman Haug remains unavailable. Taylor said she is back in full training but needs more time to build up her fitness.
“She is doing well, she is back in full training now but she just needs more training volume in her tank, that’s all.”
Despite the injury setback to Itamura, Taylor struck a supportive tone over her missed World Cup opportunity.
“It’s really disappointing for her and disappointing for Japan. Of course, we’ll support her in the right way, like we would do with any other player.”
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