Ona Batlle among 'Rebel 15' included in Spain's preliminary World Cup squad
By Emily Keogh
Manchester United's Ona Batlle is one of just three players from the 'Rebel 15' recalled to Spain's preliminary squad for the Women's World Cup.
The versatile Red Devils full-back, alongside Barcelona duo Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey, has been included in a 30-strong training squad, but there are a number of high-profile absentees who will not be heading to Australia and New Zealand.
Alexia Putellas is in the squad after recovering from her ACL injury but 12 of the original 15 players who informed the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in September that they no longer wished to be considered for selection while Jorge Vilda is in charge miss out.
Batlle's Manchester United teammate Lucia Garcia is among those not heading down under, alongside Manchester City duo Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri and Barcelona quartet Patri Guijarro Mapi Leon, Claudia Pina and Sandra Panos - the latter of whom captained the Catalans to their recent Women's Champions League triumph.
"The RFEF has always been open to dialogue. The conflict is practically resolved, a few details would remain. We would be delighted if that were the case, but we look at the players who are committed and have shown their commitment," Vilda said after the squad was confirmed.
"It is great news that Alexia [Putellas] has recovered well, that she has played competitive minutes with her club and that she can be with us."
The 'Rebel 15' players not included in Vilda's preliminary squad
Player | Club |
|---|---|
Laia Alexandri | Manchester City |
Leila Ouahabi | Manchesteri City |
Lucia Garcia | Manchester United |
Sandra Panos | Barcelona |
Mapi Leon | Barcelona |
Claudia Pina | Barcelona |
Patri Guijarro | Barcelona |
Ainhoa Vicente | Atletico Madrid |
Lola Gallardo | Atletico Madrid |
Andrea Pereira | Club America |
Amaiur Sarriegui | Real Sociedad |
Nerea Eizagirre | Real Sociedad |
Asked specifically about Bonmati's return after an eight-month absence, Vilda remarked: "In this time we have played 11 games and we have won nine, including the game against the USA that we won for the first time.
"With the players we have now, I'm sure we'll continue to rise in the ranking."
"Mariona has shown her desire and enthusiasm to return," Vilda added of Caldentey's return. "She is on the list and she will be one of the 30 who will fight to be among the 23."
Vilda's final 23-player squad will be confirmed over the next few weeks, though it would be major surprise for Batlle, Bonmati and Caldentey to miss out on final selection.
READ MORE ON THE UPCOMING WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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