WOLVES have confirmed it’s a matter of when and not if Raul Jimenez returns to the field.
The Mexican striker picked up a horror injury at Arsenal in late November during a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz.
Raul Jimenez is improving, admits Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jimenez, 29, underwent emergency surgery on a fractured skull ahead of a lengthy rehabilitation period.
He was spotted in the stands in Wolves’ 1-1 draw against Tottenham last month and also made an emotional return to the club’s training ground for the first time.
And Wolves’ latest update is another positive one for both player and club.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Without a time schedule, he’s improving, he’s doing exercises now.
“It’s not a question of hoping, we are sure he’s coming back. At the right moment he will join us and that is good.”
It comes after his dad insisted the striker’s horror injury ‘won’t have any consequences’ on his playing career.
Earlier this week Wolves confirmed he was taking part in some light fitness work but were eager to stress he ‘has a long way to go.’
A statement read: “Raul is five weeks since his surgery following a fractured skull and is doing some early fitness work, but still has a way to go, however things are going well.”
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The Mexican striker returned to the training ground last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jimenez’s long-term absence has forced Santo to recall striker Patrick Cutrone from his loan spell at Fiorentina.
The Italian has failed to score this season but Espirito hopes he can make an instant impact back at the Molineux.
He said: “Let’s see. We bring him with the hope that he can stay here, settle down and help us.
“The transfer window is open and it’s a tough moment, we want to rebalance our squad, we have options, but it’s a tough moment to operate in the market – we are aware of that.
“The expectation is for him to immediately integrate into the routines of the group, train and give us a hand.”
Raul Jimenez sees Wolves team-mates for first time since horror fractured skull as striker visits training ground
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
