NewsLFC Women team news: Updates on Josendal, Itamura, Ward, Parry and Roman Haug

The Reds get their 2026-27 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign under way by travelling to Charlton Athletic.

They will make that journey without attacker Anna Josendal, who has picked up a hamstring injury.

Summer signing Mari Ward and right-back Lucy Parry are doubts, Sophie Roman Haug is not yet available and Mao Itamura is sidelined.

“We have a couple of small issues,” said head coach Taylor at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“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.

“Fortunately, it doesn’t need surgery. But 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, because she was looking so good in pre-season. But unfortunately, she will not be available.

“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. So, again, that will be touch and go.

“Lucy Parry is close but probably not going to be able to be ready for the squad this weekend.

“Sophie won’t be available. She is doing well, she is back in full training now but she just needs more training volume in her tank, that’s all.”

Itamura would not have been involved at The Valley in any case, having been selected for the U20 Women’s World Cup by Japan.

But it was announced earlier this week that she has withdrawn from her country’s squad as a result of undergoing abdominal surgery.

“Yeah, a real shame,” said Taylor. “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.

“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 because it’s a shame for us but also a shame for her in the sense of an opportunity to be in a World Cup.

“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. And we look forward to her getting back, feeling good and feeling healthy.”