Wales recall injured duo Hughes and Morgan for Nations League

Wales have recalled long-term injury absentees Elise Hughes and Esther Morgan for their Nations League opening matches against Italy and Sweden.

Rhian Wilkinson's side will begin their preparation for their first major tournament, Euro 2025, with defender Hayley Ladd on the brink of a milestone 100th cap, a feat she will achieve if she plays in either match.

Wilkinson says Ladd, who has switched to Everton from Manchester United, is an "example to all the Wales players," and a "pleasure to coach."

Wales visit Monza on Friday, 21 February to face Italy, before hosting Sweden in Wrexham on Tuesday, 25 February but will do so without midfielder Rachel Rowe, who is injured.

Rowe joins cap centurion Sophie Ingle, who is recovering from knee surgery, on the sidelines.

However, the return of Hughes and Morgan provides a welcome boost for boss Rhian Wilkinson.

Hughes has been out of action since April after ACL surgery, but made her return for club side Crystal Palace earlier this month.

The lay-off has been even longer for 22-year old defender Morgan, who has been beset by injury issues in recent seasons.

"I have met Esther and been following her, but I haven't been able to work with her," Wilkinson said.

"She is coming in as a training player for me to get to know her and for her to get to know me."

Wilkinson is thrilled by the return of Hughes, who missed nine months after her knee operation.

"Elise Hughes has been pushing the whole time," she said.

"Having an out and out striker like Elise gives us a different look."

Wilkinson also names Manchester United academy defender Scarlett Hill, 17 in her squad as one of three uncapped players.

Hill has previously been involved in England's youth set-up.

"Scarlett plays with some of our younger players, her father is from Bridgend," she said.

"She's a young player who has a really exciting way of playing that fits in with the Welsh way."

Hill has yet to decide where her international future lies, but Wilkinson is hopeful it will be with Wales.

"She is someone we aren't trying to push too quickly, we want to give her an experience, get her around the team and give her thought on what she does in the future, when she decides what country she wants to represent."

Wales squad

Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Laura O'Sullivan-Jones (Gwalia United), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Josie Green (Crystal Palace), Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Gemma Evans(Liverpool), Mayzee Davies (Manchester City), Lily Woodham (Crystal Palace- On loan from Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Scarlett Hill (Manchester United), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Alice Griffiths (Durham- On loan from Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (Newcastle United), Carrie Jones (IFK Norrköping), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Ellen Jones (Sunderland), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Mared Griffiths (Manchester United), Hannah Cain (Leicester City), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace)