Wales will be missing nine regular squad members as they pursue their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Injured players Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Rhiannon Roberts, Hayley Ladd, Ella Powell, Laura Hughes, Mia Ross, Ffion Morgan and Ceri Holland—who has been Wales’ most influential player since Jess Fishlock’s retirement—are all sidelined.
Except for backup goalkeeper Soper, each of those absentees would have been in contention for the two legs against Albania.
The lengthy injury list gives Wales a youthful appearance, featuring six uncapped players and several others with limited international experience.
Nevertheless, Wilkinson believes Wales are well equipped to handle the situation, citing their routine of bringing youngsters into training with the senior squad.
“It would be silly to claim that nine injuries were predictable,” Wilkinson said. “This situation is far from normal.”
“If I could have avoided injuries altogether, I would have, but football is football, we adapt, and as a small nation we make do.”