Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has spoken of the skull he suffered when he met his head with David Luiz in a Premier League meeting with Arsenal in November last year.
The Mexican played his first competitive game since the incident on Saturday when the Wolves fell to a 1-0 defeat at Leicester in their league opener, during which Foxes players congratulated Jimenez on his recovery and return to action.
Expired 9 months ago at the moment, to be able to compete and stay high. A result that can not be done and that it does not work
I waited almost 9 months for this moment, waited to compete again and I’m back. Not the result we wanted but this will help us grow as a team pic.twitter.com/DHAGmaHR2g
– Raúl Jiménez (@ Raul_Jimenez9) August 14, 2021
Despite the potentially career-ending – and almost fatal – nature of his head injury, Jimenez insisted he did not doubt he could resume his career. He told the BBC: “I always thought that after my recovery I would be back to do what I love to do. I never thought about ending my career. There was a chance for that, but I was always sure that I would return. “
The 30-year-old talked about how close he was to serious injury and explained that doctors were told that it was “a miracle”.
He went on to explain the injury and the precautionary measures he now wears during matches. “The leg had broken and there was a little bleeding in the brain. That was why the operation had to go quickly and it was a really good job from the doctors.
“There have been different bodyguards since I started training with the team. I feel safe. If it was up to me I would not use it. I would play normally,” said Jimenez.
“The doctors told me it was protection to prevent something. At the moment, it could be more dangerous for me than any other player. I know I have to be in the same line as the doctors and surgeons.”
It was a long way back to full fitness for Jimenez, who admitted he was frustrated at not being able to play even though he felt good enough.
“It’s something you can not feel because you feel good, you feel prepared, but then at the last minute in the MRI or the scans it tells you that it was not completely restored. It was the hardest part because you think you are ready, but it’s not you. It’s not like I hurt my knee or anything I can feel when I walk. I was feeling really good at that moment, but it was not my time yet.
I’m ready ?? pic.twitter.com/dyXOQs35Ah
– Raúl Jiménez (@ Raul_Jimenez9) August 11, 2021
“I worked really well, I think. Even when I knew it was difficult, when I was told I would not play last season until this season, I had to wait almost three months to play again,” the striker continued. “It was just a shock at the moment, but ten minutes later I said, ‘OK, I have to keep recovering, keep doing what I do to be ready for next season.’ I was focused on recovery.”
Jimenez was welcomed back with open arms by every supporter on Saturday and will try to inspire his side to a better result when they host former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santos Tottenham in their second Premier League match of the season on Sunday.
“It’s going to be good. He’s really been supportive over the last few months. I saw him three weeks ago. He told me he was really happy to see me play again,” Jimenez said of his former manager when he saw forward the collision.
