Sources: Wolves fear Jimenez may take 18 months to fully recover

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Published on:

20 Mar 2021, 7:53 am

Wolves fear it could take up to 18 months for Raul Jimenez to fully recover mentally and physically from his devastating injury, Football Insider understands.

The Mexican striker is back in light training but he has been wearing a protective headband and is not yet a full participant or heading the ball.

A Wolves source has told Football Insider that there is concern among the staff about how the player will take the next steps in his recovery.

Nuno Espirito Santo has said he is "totally confident" Jimenez will make his playing return before the end of the season.

Behind the scenes, there is concern about whether the 29-year-old can hit the same levels he was at before his sickening injury last November.

In addition to the physical hurdles for Jimenez to overcome - Nuno has said it is undecided whether Jimenez will wear the headwear when he resumes playing - there are also the mental problems.

The source explained this could be even more problematic for the player.

There is a sense it could be a year from the injury, or possibly even 18 months - the end of next season - before Jimenez is back to his best.

He was widely regarded as one of the most aerially adept forwards in the Premier League before clashing heads with David Luiz and fracturing his skull.

Wolves have struggled to cope in the absence of their main goalscorer.

He scored 27 goals and supplied 10 assists from 55 matches last season, and has an impressive 47 goals from his 110 appearances for the club.

In other news, Wolves have an agreement in principle for first summer signing.

Wolverhampton Wanderers