FOOTBALL
Hermoso left out of Spain women's squad for 'sporting reasons'
Spain coach Montse Tome said “sporting reasons” have led to 2023 World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso being left out of her latest squad.
On Friday, Tome announced her 23-player squad for the upcoming Women's Nations League double-header with Portugal.
Hermoso, who was controversially kissed by Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup final, has not played for her country since October last year.
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However, Tome has made it clear that her decision has nothing to do with any off-field matters.
"There's no reason other than a sporting one," Tome said. "We have evaluated Jenni. We know she is working to come [back] to the national team.
"She was in our preliminary squad, which means she is doing things well. We believe the 23 players we have chosen are the ones we need for these two games."
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Hermoso is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 57 goals in 123 appearances, and last week revealed her desire to return to the national team set up. That is something Tome says remains a possibility.
Jenni has been and is an important player," she said. "In the last month, her performances have progressed. I've been told and I'm aware that she is keen to keep working to come to the national team.
"I've said it many times there is no door closed to any player. Our job is to choose the best players based on our needs. Not all of them can come.
"Right now, we have 71 players in the preliminary squad. She is a player that has experience, that has a history in the national team."
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