Spanish boss Jorge Vilda names his provisional squad for the Women’s World Cup

Twelve of the 15 Spanish players who went on strike in protest at the management of Jorge Vilda have been left out of their provisional World Cup squad.

Four of the players – Barca trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Lola Gollardo – did not make themselves available for selection.

The remaining 11 players were all understood to be available after writing apology letters to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) but only Manchester United defender Ona Batlle and Barca’s Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey have been brought back into the fold. Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is not one of the players who went on strike, has also been included.

Fifteen players wrote letters to the RFEF in September saying they would not be available for selection while Vilda remained as manager, insisting he was affecting their mental health.

But the governing body refused to sack the 41-year-old and demanded apologies from all those involved.

Alexia Putellas is part of the Spanish World Cup squad after missing the Euros with injury 

Putellas was recovering from an ACL injury when the fall-out took place but was understood to have supported the players that went on strike.

She is also thought to have led discussions between those squad members and the federation.

Putellas was still recovering from an ACL injury when the fall-out happened but was understood to have supported those on strike.

Barca goalkeeper Sandra Panos, United’s Lucia Garcia and Manchester City duo Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi are notable exclusions.

Vilda will cut his 30-player provisional squad down to 23 on June 30, so there is still a chance that the three players brought back could be left out of the team that travels to Australia and New Zealand.

‘The RFEF has always been open to dialogue. The conflict is practically resolved, a few details would remain,’ Vilda said at his press conference.

‘We would be delighted if that were the case, but we look at the players who are committed and have shown their commitment.

‘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.

Man Utd’s Ona Batlle is part of the squad after apologising for her complaints against boss Jorge Vilda 

‘In this time we have played 11 games and we have won 9, 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.

‘We know that she is going to help us a lot both on and off the pitch because of her leadership and her experience.

‘What worries us the most is football. We want to get the most out of the players and that is achieved with a united group

‘I am convinced that there will be harmony and tranquility, and this does not only include the players and staff, but also the press and the environment.’