Bruno Lage expects Raul Jimenez to return for Wolverhampton Wanderers after the winter break Jimenez missed Wolves’ 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday due to a calf injury sustained in training during the build-up to the match in west London. Lage decided not to take a risk with Jimenez, who has scored four goals in 19 Premier League appearances this term. Speaking after the game, Lage revealed he expects Jimenez to make a swift recovery.
Bruno Lage said: “I don’t think it’s so important, maybe a couple of weeks and then he’s back.”
Ideally, Lage would like Jimenez to enjoy the same rest period as the rest of the Wolves squad during this break in Premier League fixtures. But the Wolves head coach won’t ask Martino to limit Jimenez’s involvement for Mexico, providing the 30-year-old is fit.
Bruno Lage said: “I never say that (limit minutes), and we have a good relationship with Mexico about that. First, I respect the players who want to play for their national teams. Sometimes he goes there and he returns after long travels and doesn’t play for us, I think it happened against Aston Villa. Or he comes with a little pain and I don’t want to take risks. I will never say to a national coach not to play the player when they have the player there. If they are ready, and they are fit, they need to play. I respect their position and I hope somewhere in the future they will understand our position. We have a good relationship and it’s still working.”
