Wales defender Mayzee Davies has revealed that missing the historic Euro 2025 tournament due to a severe injury has provided her with extra motivation ahead of the crucial World Cup play-offs. The 20-year-old Manchester City player suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury while on international duty back in May 2025, keeping her away from competitive football for a grueling 13-month period. This unfortunate setback forced her to sit out her country's very first appearance at a major international tournament, leaving her determined to secure qualification for the upcoming global showpiece in Brazil.
A Long and Difficult Recovery Road
Reflecting on her lengthy rehabilitation process, Davies admitted that the recovery phase was mentally and physically draining. Being restricted to her sofa immediately following surgery made her question whether she would ever return to professional football. However, with the support of her family, teammates, and medical staff, she gradually regained her mobility. The defender eventually made her comeback to international football during the final group qualifiers in June against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, marking the end of a very challenging chapter in her career.
Facing Albania in the Play-Off Semi-Finals
Wales now prepare to face Albania in Shkoder for the first leg of their semi-final clash, with the return fixture scheduled in Llanelli four days later. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson's squad has been hit by a wave of injury withdrawals, notably losing key experienced players such as Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd. Despite these significant absences within the camp, Davies insists that the squad must remain fully focused. Facing an opponent ranked 37 places below them in the official FIFA world rankings, the Welsh side knows there is no room for complacency as they chase a place in the final against either Romania or Norway.
Next Fixture and Ambitions
The journey towards the 2027 World Cup continues on Friday, 9 October, as Wales take on Albania away from home in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals, before hosting the second leg four days later.
Photo : CymruWomenSport — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
