Press conferenceLFC Women team news: Martha Thomas set for injury absence

The Liverpool FC Women forward, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, sustained the issue during the recent international break.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday to preview Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United, head coach Gareth Taylor was asked for a squad fitness update.

“We unfortunately had an issue with Martha Thomas, which was the Tuesday after the Charlton game, so effectively on the international break,” he said.

“We had a few players remain with us at Melwood and unfortunately Martha picked up an issue with her foot, which is definitely going to keep her out of the next couple of games.

“We’re hoping to get her back before the end of the season but of course, our season is a little bit open at the minute, particularly with the FA Cup game.

“So we’re hoping we can extend our season and hopefully get Martha back before then but it will be quite tight unfortunately, just because of the nature of the issue.

“The medical department have been speaking with Spurs and just trying to get heads together to work out a plan for her, but [she is] definitely going to be missing the next couple of games unfortunately.”

Taylor added: “Outside of that, pretty much everyone from previous is OK, [the international break] has allowed Ceri Holland to be back in contention.

“Most of the players on the international break came through. Gemma Bonner is still a little while away, as is Lucy Parry. Sam Kerr is getting that bit closer.

“And then the long terms are still recovering well and getting that bit closer. It has been really nice for them because they’re at a point now where they can be back out on the pitch with this upturn in the weather we’re having, so it’s timed nicely.”