Raul Jimenez is wearing protective headwear in training after fracturing his skull in November; follow Wolves vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports PL and Main Event from 7pm; kick-off 8pm; watch free highlights shortly after full time on Sky Sports website and app
Friday 12 March 2021 22:49, UK
Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo hailed the upbeat attitude of Raul Jimenez in his recovery from a fractured skull and revealed the striker is wearing a protective headband during training drills.
Nuno has already tipped Jimenez to return to action before the end of the season from an injury he suffered in a sickening clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz in Wolves' win at the Emirates Stadium in November.
The Mexican has recently been given the green light to train with his team-mates and while he is not yet a full participant or heading the ball, he is taking precautions to guard against a setback.
However, it is undecided whether Jimenez will wear the headwear when he eventually resumes playing.
"It's a protective headgear that he uses during the training sessions, something that prevents any kind of contact on the skull," said Nuno, whose side welcome Liverpool to Molineux on Monday evening, live on Sky Sports.
"He's not decided yet if he's going to wear it when he returns to competitions but now it's a better approach for him to be more involved inside of the training sessions.
"He's doing quite well and he's improving. We still have to wait but it's not decided yet whether he's going to wear it in the future. First we have to put him back in the pitch in the best and safest way to do it."
Jimenez bagged 27 goals in all competitions for Wolves last season and amassed seven in 15 appearances for club and country during this campaign before his accidental collision with Luiz.
According to Nuno, the 29-year-old's outlook on his injury and his subsequent comeback to training has improved the mood at the club.
"It's a big lift because he's a fantastic boy," added Nuno. "With the serious situation he's faced and the doubts, it was clear that he never doubted, he was always positive, he's always with a smile, he's always engaged to do things.
"That, by itself, is a big, big lift when you see someone with something so serious and he's so positive about it all. Raul is amazing."
Wolves are also holding talks with Mexico about the prospect of Jimenez joining them ahead of their game against Wales in Cardiff on March 27, although Nuno warned all parties must be on the same wavelength before anything is agreed.
"We've been talking with them - the doctors and everybody and have already spoken with Raul about that," Nuno said. "He feels comfortable and I actually believe that will be good. But we have to make it work, not with mistakes.
"I think it will be good for him to join the Mexico squad to see his friends because it's a big part of his life, the many friends he has are there so it will be good for him.
"We are just trying to figure out the best way to do that. We are taking these steps with Raul very carefully, but always with the intention to bring him back in the best way possible."
