258 days in hell: How Wolves missed Raul Jimenez during head injury

Raul Jimenez is finally back for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. The Hildago-born, Mexican striker had been out of action for almost 10 months after suffering a horrific head injury on November 29th, 2020 while playing against Arsenal FC at the Emirates Stadium. The 30-year-old striker had a head-on collision with Arsenal centre-back David Luiz in the 13th minute of the match and was stretchered off the pitch unconscious. 258 days later, the Wolves talisman made his return against Leicester City on August 14th, 2021. 

Raul Jimenez Skull Fracture Injury

Wolves striker, Raul Jimenez suffered a skull fracture while playing for the EPL side against Arsenal on 29th November 2020. The striker stayed down after colliding with David Luiz and medics were alerted to the fact that the striker was bleeding from the head. He was taken straight to the hospital where it was revealed that the striker had suffered a skull fracture.

Months of rehabilitation followed for Raul Jimenez as he was away from the Wolves side. The striker revealed that doctors had told him he was lucky to be back playing football. After making his return against Leicester City, Jimenez went 3 EPL games and 5 games in all competitions, before scoring his first goal back from injury against Southampton. This made it 336 days without scoring for Wolves.

Raul Jimenez record and statistics at Wolverhampton Wanderers

The Mexican striker joined Wolves on loan from the Portuguese side, Benfica during the 2018/19 season. Raul Jimenez had an explosive first season, scoring 17 goals in 44 matches across all competitions for the side. His transfer was made permanent and Raul Jimenez continued to deliver, scoring 27 goals in 55 matches the following season. The 30-year-old striker had scored 4 goals already during the 2020/21 season before his head injury.

In his absence, Wolverhampton Wanderers finished 13th on the log during the 2020/21 season. The lowest they've finished in their time so far since he joined Wolves. In the previous two seasons, Wolverhampton Wanderers finished 7th in both seasons, qualifying for the Europa League.