Jenni Hermoso recalled to Spain squad for first time since Luis Rubiales kiss saga at Women's World Cup

Pachuca forward Jenni Hermoso has been recalled to the Spanish women’s national squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League games against Italy and Switzerland.

It is the first time Hermoso has been included in the squad since the 1-0 victory over England in the 2023 World Cup final.

After that match, Hermoso was kissed by the now former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales during the trophy presentation, an act she said was non-consensual.

The incident triggered protests and calls for Rubiales to resign, something he initially refused to do. He did, however, eventually resign in September.

Hermoso was left out of the first squad named by new manager Montse Tome, who took over when Jorge Vilda was removed from his post as Spain's head coach.

"In the last call I explained why she wasn't there, but after the camp we got in touch. Maybe that opened the door to speculation, but at the time there was no problem with her. We didn't call her up because we thought it was the best thing for her," Tome told a press conference on Wednesday.

"I have noticed her improvement. We are excited to see her, for her to return to training and to start thinking about the future as our goal is to be in the Olympic Games."

At the time of the decision in September to leave Hermoso out of the squad, Tome said she wanted to "protect" the forward.

"Changes have been made in the federation and a lot of work is being done. Now we want to think and talk only about football, both myself and the players," Tome added.

"With regard to this call-up, I did speak to all the players, the relationship with them is good and professional, there is no need to speculate in that sense."

Spain currently sit top of their group with two wins from two and will be looking to book their place in the finals.

Elsewhere Esther Gonzalez is also back in the squad but Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, who both refused to play at the World Cup due to their dissatisfaction with the management, remain unavailable for selection.

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