Raul Jimenez was back on the scoresheet for the first time since returning from a fractured skull, pulling out the equalizer in Wolves’ 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
The 30-year-old has recovered from a morbid head injury he suffered in November 2020 against Arsenal, when he demanded emergency surgery after a clash with Gunners defender David Luiz.
Jimenez was named in Wolves’ starting lineup for a friendly against Crewe earlier in July, but he failed to find the net against the League One kit. However, his long-awaited return to the results list finally came on Saturday, when he scored in the Premier League team’s 1-1 draw against Stoke.
Bruno Lage’s men ended up after Danny Batth’s opener in 27 minutes, but only two minutes later the parity was restored. Jimenez showed his predatory instincts to reach his goal and hit Josef Bursik’s clever save to hit an unattended net.
The Mexican looked to the sky in gratitude, his arms up in celebration and joy. His strike was also welcomed by Wolves’ away followers, who were present at the bet365 stadium to witness his crowning moment.
It has been a long and arduous journey of recovery for Jimenez, who has not kicked a Premier League ball since colliding with Luiz in November. The forward suffered a shell fracture in the challenge and had to be taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
Fortunately, Jimenez survived the horror and was clearly able to start training again towards the end of last season. He attended non-contact sessions and was advised to avoid playing ball and work with medical staff to create a tailor-made plan for his progress.
?? Raul Jimenez back points? Fans back in the arenas
What a moment! ? pic.twitter.com/WBZBDWNYwt
– Wolves (@Wolves) July 31, 2021
All the hard work has culminated in his return to action, and he reached another landmark in Staffordshire and made it what will hopefully be the first of many goals now that he has returned.
