Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo describes ‘huge moment’ Raul Jimenez returned to training ground after surgery

Forward fractured his skull in a clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz last month

(Getty Images)

Nuno Espirito Santo has said the return of Raul Jimenez gave his Wolves team-mates a tremendous boost this week.

The forward visited Wolves players and staff at the club training ground after leaving hospital following surgery on his fractured skull, an injury he suffered from a clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz last month.

Jimenez was only able to watch training as his recovery from the head injury continues, but coach Nuno has revealed how pleased he and everyone else at the club was to see the Mexican again. 

He said: “It was very good for all of us to be able to see him smiling and recovering well. It was a huge moment for everyone to be with Raul again. He is recovering well, positive and is starting to get ready again.

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“To see him smiling, it was a big lift for his team-mates because they see someone who had a serious situation recovering and is on the way back to be the same person he was.

“We don’t have a timetable [for Jimenez’s return]. We have to follow the protocols, but mainly it is making sure he is healthy again. There is no rush.”

A banner in support of Jimenez, crowdfunded by supporters, will cover three blocks of the Steve Bull Upper Stand for Saturday’s visit of Aston Villa.

Nuno added that it was not the time to discuss January replacements for Jimenez, with Hulk – with whom Nuno played with at Porto – available on a free transfer.

“I get the point, but it’s next month and we are in December,” Nuno said. “Now is the moment to focus on what we have today. It’s not the moment to think about the transfer window. The solutions are here with us now.

“The transfer window is there for clubs to use to rebalance their squads, but it’s not now. When the moment comes, we will be ready to see.”

Jonny has returned to light training after a serious knee injury sustained at the end of last season but will not return until next year.

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PA