Spain announce 30-player provisional squad for 2023 Women’s World Cup
Alexia Putellas returns to the Spain setup after watching on from the sidelines with an ACL injury since last summer, while Patri Guijarro and Mapi Leon rendered themselves unavailable for selection.
Football
Spain manager Jorge Vilda has named his 30-player provisional squad ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer.
15 core members of the Spanish squad have been inactive from the international stage since their disappointing exit at the European Championships last summer, after highlighting their concerns with the national team setup.
Prominent fixtures of the squad prior to last year, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, both rendered themselves unavailable for selection ahead of the announcement, but a handful of the original '15' have now been re-called by Vilda. Notable names returning include Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle, and Mariona Caldentey.
Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has also returned to international duty after missing out on the European Championships last summer, sustaining an ACL injury a day before the tournament was due to start.
"We are happy and satisfied with the list we have made," Vilda told the media at his press conference. "The season has been special, hard and it has helped us all learn.
"[There are] some additions that make the team stronger, that make the National Team better. They are players that are committed."
The Spaniards were drawn in Group C alongside Costa Rica, Japan, and Zambia, and will open their World Cup account on 21 July against the former. Zambia will be their next test before they face Japan to close out the group stages.
READ MORE: 2023 Women’s World Cup - Group C Preview
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 12: Alexia Putellas of Spain reacts during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier group B match between Scotland and Spain at Hampden Park on April 12, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Spain’s provisional squad for 2023 Women’s World Cup
Goalkeepers: Cata Coll (FC Barcelona), Elene Lete (Real Sociedad), Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Enith Salon (Valencia)
Defenders: Ivana Andres (Real Madrid), Ona Batlle (Manchester United), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Laia Codina (FC Barcelona), Jana Fernandez (FC Barcelona), Rocio Galvez (Real Madrid), Sheila Garcia (Atletico Madrid), Oihane Hernandez (Athletic Club), Irene Paredes (FC Barcelona)
Midfielders: Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid), Fiamma Benitez (Valencia), Aitana Bonmati (FC Barcelona), Irene Guerrero (Levante UD), Jenni Hermoso (CF Pachuca), Maite Oroz (Real Madrid), Maria Perez (FC Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona), Claudia Zornoza (Real Madrid),
Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (FC Barcelona), Marta Cardona (Atletico Madrid), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Inma Gabarro (Sevilla), Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Salma Paralluelo (FC Barcelona), Alba Redondo (Levante UD)