Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez is taking massive steps up in his recovery following his horror head injury suffered in the match at Arsenal last November.
The marksman suffered a fractured skull in a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz and has been given the green light to train with his teammates under strict restrictions.
Having previously confirmed he would make a return to the pitch this season, the 29-year-old is now training in a bespoke headgear which is more advanced than that worn by Petr Čech after his skull fracture in 2006.
Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed Jiménez is set to use the headband when he returns to competitive action but is still not heading the ball yet. ‘‘Yes, that’s the idea. It’s different to what was used in the past, more advanced. He feels comfortable in it, he is able to do almost every action.”
‘‘When we have clearance and everything is OK, let’s see if it is able to be applied in competition. But with Raúl there are still a lot of question marks, a lot of boxes that we have to tick. We still have to avoid heading the ball.’’
Nuno also confirmed Jiménez will join up to train with his Mexico teammates for their game against Wales on March 27.
‘‘It would be good for him to join Mexico squad to see his friends because it’s a big part of his life. Many friends he has are there so it would be good for him.” Nuno said.
‘‘He will be with Mexico in Wales and then he will return to Wolves. We are taking these steps very carefully to bring him back in the best way possible.’’
How important is Jimenez?
Jiménez scored 27 goals in all competitions for Wolves last season and amassed seven in 15 appearances for club and country during this campaign before his accident.
His team have massively struggled without their target man and focal point and are only just recovering having changed shape and signed Willian José on loan from Real Sociedad.
Nuno was quick to pinpoint the influence of the club’s number nine and the lift his presence around the training ground has brought to the squad.
“It’s a big lift because he’s a fantastic boy,” added Nuno. “With the serious situation he’s faced and the doubts, it was clear that he never doubted, he was always positive, he’s always with a smile, he’s always engaged to do things.
“That, by itself, is a big, big lift when you see someone with something so serious and he’s so positive about it all. Raul is amazing.”
Although there’s still a long way to go and more obstacles for Jiménez to overcome. However, a triumphant return to the pitch would be a rare positive in a difficult season for everyone.
Every football fan is looking forward to Raul’s return to what he loves doing and his comeback would significantly galvanize the 13th-placed Wolves.
