Nuno Espirito Santo
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RaulJimenez waiting on ‘test’ as #NunoEspiritoSanto issues latest injury update #WOLVESFC

March 11, 2021
Nuno Espirito Santo recently relayed his belief that Raul Jimenez will don Wolverhampton Wanderers' colours once again this season. The Mexican striker suffered what many presumed would be a season-ending injury at The Emirates in November following a clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz. Scans later showed Jimenez had fractured his skull and he underwent an emergency operation at hospital in London to repair the damage. There were doubts over whether Jimenez would be able to resume his career, but the 29-year-old quickly signalled his intention to play football again. And speaking before Wolves' game at Chelsea in January, Nuno explained how he believed Jimenez could even play again this season. Here is everything we know about Jimenez's injury situation as he gears up for a return to action.... Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel What actually happened? “As the skull is hit there’s acceleration and deceleration,” explains Antonio Belli, Professor of Trauma Neurosurgery at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “The brain effectively accelerates and decelerates within the skull. There’s no space for the brain to move but what that means is that different parts of the brain - grey mass, white mass - all accelerate at a slightly different rate. "If you have suffered linear acceleration it’s not that bad. But as soon as you rotate the head then you cause straining of the nerve, particularly the axons which are the long strands that connect different nerve cells. They are particularly vulnerable because they are long and if you strain them you can suffer damage on the inside. “You get chemicals that are released through the nerves that cause unconsciousness. The brain stops working in certain areas temporarily. What you need to repair is the damage inside the nerve cells and that can take days, it can take weeks, it can take months.” A timeline of Jimenez's recovery A timeline of Raul Jimenez's recovery November 29: Jimenez fractures his skull in a clash of heads with David Luiz. November 29/30: Undergoes an operation to repair the damage at hospital in London. December 6: Discharged from hospital and allowed to return home to his family. December 10: The striker visits Wolves' training ground and is reunited with Nuno and his teammates. December 27: Attends Wolves' game with Tottenham Hotspur. He's watched every game at Molineux since. January 6: Wolves report that Jimenez has resumed light training in the gym. January 26: Nuno reveals his belief that Jimenez could play again this season. February 18: Nuno confirms Jimenez is taking part in some training with his teammates. Nuno's latest update Wolves' head coach recently told reporters that he is 'totally confident' Jimenez will play before this season finishes against Manchester United on May 23. Jimenez has been involved in some of the non-contact training drills with his teammates, including passing exercises, but he isn't allowed to partake in any match situation. “He’s doing well, he’s improving, he’s been able to join some parts of the training session,” Nuno said. “We expect him to progress with his fitness. He is doing good, he’s feeling well, he’s happy, but we have to take the same measures and precautions as we always do. “We follow the protocols and we’re guided by that. It’s a very delicate situation and we cannot afford any kind of mistake.” Jimenez is still waiting to receive the green light from his surgeon to resume competitive training. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles The 'test' that awaits Jimenez Jimenez need look no further than one of his striking predecessors at Molineux for inspiration. Don Goodman fractured his skull playing for Wolves in 1996 and returned successfully. Like Jimenez, Goodman was renowned for being good with his head and offered some insight into the psychological barrier Wolves' number nine will have to overcome before his comeback. “I had a moment in training where I was wearing a skullcap still because I wasn’t allowed to head the ball,” Goodman explains. “I was joining in five-a-side and a ball was smashed straight towards my face and human nature made me duck my head, put my chin on my chest, and I took it on the top of the head. “It smacked me right where the fracture was and knocked me off my feet. Training stopped and the lads piled round me. I was giggling on the floor because I knew after that moment that I was OK. That was the test for me. “Raul will have his own test, whether that’s heading a ball in training or clashing heads.” Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles
Nuno Espirito Santo
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #NunoEspiritoSanto is ‘sure’ #RaulJimenez will play for Wolves again this season #WOLVESFC

February 27, 2021
Nuno Espirito Santo is 'totally confident' Raul Jimenez will make his return for Wolverhampton Wanderers before the end of this season. Jimenez, 29, hasn't played since fracturing his skull in the victory over Arsenal in November but recently returned to light training. The Mexican striker isn't yet involved in any contact training, but he is stepping up his fitness work ahead of his planned return to action. And Nuno believes that day is certain to arrive before Wolves' season ends against Manchester United on May 23. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Asked whether Jimenez will play again this season, Nuno replied: "(I am) totally confident. For sure. "We have to be very aware of the circumstances and avoid any kind of contact. He has been able to participate in the initial part of the training sessions. "Just him being with his teammates is a big help for him, and for us. We are following the right protocols with no rush, but we're delighted Raul is getting better day by day." Here's the latest injury and suspension news concerning Wolves' players... Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Yellow cards (PL only) Ruben Neves - 5 Nelson Semedo - 4 Conor Coady - 4 Joao Moutinho - 4 Adama Traore - 3 Max Kilman - 3 Leander Dendoncker - 3 Pedro Neto - 3 Marcal - 2 Daniel Podence - 2 Fabio Silva - 2 Willy Boly - 1 Rui Patricio - 1 Owen Otasowie - 1 Ki-Jana Hoever - 1 Romain Saiss - 1 Premier League yellow card amnesties Ten yellow cards no longer results in a two-match ban after 32 fixtures. Raul Jimenez Injury: Fractured skull Possible return date: N/A Wolves' all-time record goalscorer in the Premier League has been sidelined since fracturing his skull in the early stages of the 2-1 win at Arsenal in November. The Mexican was operated on in a London hospital and returned home to his family after a week under medical supervision. He's since returned to Wolves' training ground to socialise with his teammates and watched the draw against Spurs at Molineux on December 27. Jimenez has already signalled his intention to return to football and has started doing some gym work and light jogging at Compton. Nuno recently revealed his belief that Jimenez could even return before the end of the current campaign. “We are truly positive that this can happen,” said Nuno. ”It’s very good news that he keeps improving day by day. “Not only me, but all the medical staff (are positive) because he is improving on all the tests that we did previously, two seasons ago. He’s doing really well.” Willy Boly Injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Early March The fixture schedule has clearly taken its toll on Boly's hamstrings with this the Ivorian's second muscular injury of the campaign. Boly is now expected to be out of action for the next month, which comes as a significant blow to Wolves. Wolves transfer news, rumours and analysis free to your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves transfer news, views, gossip and opinion from our man Alex Dicken. How do I sign up? All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store Daniel Podence Injury: Hip Possible return date: Late March Like Boly, Podence is also beginning his second period out in recent months. “Unfortunately injuries are following me these times... now in the adductor,” Podence revealed in an Instagram post. “I will recover very well and return at 150%. Always happy because I have more reasons to smile than cry. And supporting my team in the next 5/6 weeks thank you for supporting me.” Marcal Injury: N/A Possible return date: N/A Marcal has suffered several injuries this season and only returned to action recently, but the Brazilian had to limp off just minutes after coming on in Wolves' last game against Leeds United.
Raul Jimenez Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RaulJimenez plans to ‘repay’ Wolves fans when he returns #WOLVESFC

February 18, 2021
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has revealed he plans to play in Europe for 'many years'. The Mexican striker is currently building up his fitness after fracturing his skull in Wolves' 2-1 win over Arsenal at the end of November. Many presumed Jimenez's campaign was over but Nuno Espirito Santo recently admitted Wolves are hopeful that he will be able to play again this season. Wolves have struggled in his absence and, despite a recent upturn in fortunes, Nuno's side have collected just 13 points from a possible 42 in the Premier League without their talisman. A lack of goals has been the major issue, with Pedro Neto's winner at Southampton on Sunday finally pushing Jimenez down to second in the club's goalscoring chart for this season. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel His return will be most welcome, but the club have always been keen to stress that Jimenez's health comes first. Jimenez was linked with numerous high-profile transfers before committing his future to Wolves by signing a new contract at the beginning of this season. All the noises coming from the 29-year-old suggest he intends to stay at Wolves for a good while yet - but he knows where he wants to end his career. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “I would like to return to Club América at some point, but right now, my time is here in Europe," he told Mexican outlet EstiloDF (via Sport Witness). “I want to spend many years here; hopefully, I can continue my career here for many years and why not return to the club where I was born.” BirminghamLive understands the possibility of playing a friendly with Club America was being considered by Wolves' bosses before the coronavirus pandemic hit last year. A tour of the United States was in the pipeline for pre-season in 2020 and it could have included a showpiece fixture with Jimenez's former club. Wolves transfer news, rumours and analysis free to your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves transfer news, views, gossip and opinion from our man Alex Dicken. How do I sign up? All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store That could yet happen in the future, but for now Jimenez only has one target and that is to return to the pitch and repay Wolves fans for their support. “It is very rewarding with the fans, the people who love me, who support me,” he added. “For example, in the stadium, they even created a song for me. “Now that the injury has happened, they sent money to make a banner and put it up in the stadium in support of me. “All that fills you up, you know you’re doing well, and when you come back, you have to give even more to repay them.”
Raul Jimenez Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PL Stories- #NunoEspiritoSanto gives new contract update for #RaulJimenez #WolvesFC

February 11, 2021
Jonny pens new contract Jonny Castro Otto has become the latest Wolverhampton Wanderers star to commit his future to the club. The Spanish full-back, who only returned to action last weekend following a six-month injury lay-off, has agreed fresh terms on a deal which runs until June 2025. It’s a move which shows a fair amount of loyalty from both sides. Wolves have nursed Jonny back to full fitness and the defender has repaid their patience by putting pen to paper. The club has also shown faith in Jonny’s ability to overcome a serious injury by agreeing to pay him improved terms before he had even made his comeback. Jonny’s performance against Leicester City proves Wolves’ faith was well placed and the defender can now focus on helping his teammates finish the campaign strongly. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel This season hasn’t gone to plan on the field, as Nuno Espirito Santo will be the first to admit, but there’s been lots of sensible actions taken off it. Nuno’s new contract, which was announced on the eve of the season opener at Sheffield United, has been followed by a series of renewals from key players. Raul Jimenez, Conor Coady, Max Kilman, Leander Dendoncker and the ever-improving Pedro Neto all penned extensions before Jonny. Wolves are still working to reach an agreement with Adama Traore and sources suggest that conversations have taken place about Ruben Neves’ situation too. Traore and Neves still have two years to run on their existing deals so there’s no great rush. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Nuno's latest Jimenez update Nuno Espirito Santo has issued a fresh update on Raul Jimenez’s bid to return for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Mexican striker hasn’t kicked a ball since suffering a sickening fractured skull injury in the victory over Arsenal at The Emirates on November 29. After undergoing surgery at a hospital in London on the night, Jimenez returned home to his family the following week. He’s since restarted training in the gym at Wolves’ training ground and has been running on the treadmill. No comeback date has been pencilled in for Jimenez but Nuno recently revealed that he believes the striker could even return before the end of this season. “We are truly positive that this can happen,” said Nuno ”It’s very good news that he keeps improving day by day. “Not only me, but all the medical staff (are positive) because he is improving on all the tests that we did previously, two seasons ago. He’s doing really well.” The boss has now revealed that Jimenez has attended another consultation with medics and the results have delighted Wolves. “He’s doing good,” Nuno said in his latest update on Jimenez. “He had a consultation and the results are amazing. “Gradually he will progress, but it’s too soon to predict the exact moment. He’s working by himself but with a good intensity in his training sessions. We are really positive and delighted.” Wolves transfer news, rumours and analysis free to your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves transfer news, views, gossip and opinion from our man Alex Dicken. How do I sign up? All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store Boost for Saints clash Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to return for Wolverhampton Wanderers in tonight's FA Cup clash with Southampton. French left-back Ait-Nouri sustained a hip injury against Chelsea last month and he's missed Wolves' last three games as a result. He has now returned to training though and could start the FA Cup game if Nuno Espirito Santo decides to rest Jonny Castro Otto for this weekend's Premier League fixture with the Saints. When asked about the fitness of Ait-Nouri and fellow left-sided defender Marcal, Nuno said: "They are getting better. Rayan is available again for tomorrow. Marcal not yet." Marcal has, however, rejoined the rest of the squad at Compton Park this week, as per the club's latest training ground shots, and should be available again in the coming weeks. Full injury news HERE
Nuno Espirito Santo
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #NunoEspiritoSanto advises #FabioSilva to not obsess about scoring his first goal for Wolves #WWFC

December 14, 2020
Fabio Silva must not ‘obsess’ about scoring his first goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers. That’s the view of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo who has faith in the 18-year-old to lead the line in Raul Jimenez’s absence. Silva, a £35 million signing from Porto in the summer, made his first Premier League start against Aston Villa at the weekend. He will have another four games in the two weeks before the transfer window opens - and Nuno gave the teenager his backing, saying the workload will be good for him, Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel “I think that’s the best way when you want to progress a player and keep improving a player and building,” he said. “When he has minutes in the competition it is good for him, it is useful and I think he did a good game [against Villa]. He worked well. “He is knowing his teammates better and his team-mates are recognising his qualities. It is always about helping the player - not his age. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “The last thing that he can think about is scoring a goal and not being obsessed with that. “Stick to your tasks, progress in the game, linking, doing defensive tasks and then the final touch will be there, something we have to i,prove, more will come but I am happy with him. “We have already got a good player on our hands, a very young boy but full of talents, we will improve them for sure.” Nuno also gave a positive update about Jimenez - but stopped short of saying he will be at Tuesday’s game against Chelsea. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “He is improving, he was here today again at Compton, he had breakfast with us and had a good walk around the pitch. He is progressing, thank God he is doing well. “He is free to go if he wants to but it is always a medical decision and the people that are on a daily basis with him are going along with his treatment – but he is free to go. “It is always a big disruption when you lose a player, especially Raul, especially under the circumstances that the situation happened, it was a traumatic moment for everybody. Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a #BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do. Our campaign, Grant a Christmas #BrumWish, aims to help buy presents for 1,800 youngsters cramped together, sharing beds, in soulless rooms in B&Bs, and others who will be in a Women's Aid refuge. We have already secured hundreds of gifts for babies and toddlers but are short of the target for children over the age of six. It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25. Buy a present for a homeless child here Make sure you set delivery to the #BrumWish Campaign, and we will ensure the presents get to the kids. “But we have to overcome that, this is the way we work. Raul is going to be OK, he is going to be back to what he was, the same player and the same person that he was, this is more important. “Now we have to work together, to keep improving and to keep competing but it was a traumatic situation but with time and positive steps and I think even you will stop asking too many questions and things will get back to normal. “But now, no doubt about it that traumatic situation was the loss of a big player."
Raul Jimenez Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #AlexTelles sends message of support to injured Wolves star #RaulJimenez #WWFC #MUFC

December 10, 2020
Manchester United full-back Alex Telles has sent his support to Wolves striker Raul Jimenez after his head injury vs Arsenal. The Wolves man suffered a fractured skull in the 2-1 victory over the Gunners last month. He returned home over the weekend after undergoing surgery at a local hospital. Telles himself suffered a similar injury during his time playing in Brazil and still bears the scars from the depressed fracture. Jimenez is now recovering at home and is set for a spell on the sidelines before making his return for Wolves, although a timeframe hasn’t been put on the striker’s return. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel “What I can say to Raul is that unfortunately, this type of scenario exists in football,” Telles told Manchester United’s official website. “It's not normal but it happens. “I've been through it as well and I'd like to wish him a lot of strength. He will definitely recover and, thank God, it wasn't so serious and he will be able to get back playing as soon as possible, doing what he loves the most. Us players have to have this solidarity and I wish him well and that he gets better soon.” Wolves captain Conor Coady has revealed that the squad has been able to talk to Jimenez via Zoom . Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store "We have fines within the changing room so he has been giving a little bit of stick to the lads about fines because he is obviously not getting fined at the minute, so that has been good," Coady said. "But it has just been great to hear from him and get a 'hello' and just to see how he is. Honestly, just to hear from him has been brilliant. "We are now hoping and praying that he is healthy and going to be OK."
Raul Jimenez Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #RaulJimenez confirms Manchester United to sign him last summer #WWFC

November 13, 2020
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has confirmed he was the subject of 'approaches' from other clubs during the summer transfer window. But the Mexico striker reaffirmed his commitment to Wolves having recently signed a new four-year contract at Molineux. Jimenez has been a revelation since joining Nuno Espirito Santo's side from Benfica two years ago and topped the magical 20-goal mark in all competitions last season. That form inevitably led to speculation over the 29-year-old's future in the summer, when he was linked with the likes of Manchester United and Juventus. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel In an interview with Mexican outlet TUDN [via Sport Witness] during the international break, Jimenez admitted potential suitors had been in contact but an agreement was never close to being reached. “During vacations or a transfer window a new team will come out every day, what I knew was about the news, rumours,” said Jimenez. “One day I’d wake up and Juventus loved me, another it’d be Manchester United, and what I know is that there were approaches, but an agreement was never reached, nothing close, but I’m very good at Wolves.” Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store Jimenez already has four Premier League goals this term having netted 13 and 17 in his first two campaigns with Wolves and put pen to paper on a new deal at the start of October. Asked whether he has any regrets over staying at Wolves, he said: “Well, not really, I’m very happy at Wolverhampton, it’s never forced because I’m in a place where I’m fine, they know I’m not satisfied, I’m always looking for more. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “It didn’t happen this time, if it happens at some point will have to want the best for me, Wolves and the team who came, but I’m very happy at Wolves being very important.” Jimenez added: “The truth is I’m giving my best by giving myself to the top in every training, game, I’m doing my best, obviously Wolves are not a team that is talked about a lot, but I’m in the best league in the world and if I’m doing it at a team that doesn’t have much popularity, I can do it at any team.”
Raul Jimenez Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #NunoEspiritoSanto defends #RaulJimenez over tackle to #RobinKoch of Leeds #WWFC

October 24, 2020
Nuno Espirito Santo has defended star striker Raul Jimenez after his involvement in an incident with Leeds United’s Robin Koch. Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez tangled with Koch near to his manager on the touchline during their win over Leeds on Monday. Referee David Coote didn’t spot the coming together, while VAR reviewed it and didn’t take any retrospective action. “Incidents happen during the game,” said Nuno. “The referee is there to judge and take a decision. “What I see in Raul is a very fair football player. Sometimes when you play with your back to your opponent you are more suited to get physical contact and he deals with that well knowing it is part of the game.” Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Jimenez’s winning goal at Leeds was his 47th in 107 appearances for Wolves, while he’s also contributed his fair share of assists in that time. His ascent to become one of the Premier League’s most revered forwards has been made all the more impressive by the hectic workload he’s taken on with his country. In the last two years Jimenez has become the poster boy for Mexico’s national team and recently starred in their friendlies with the Netherlands and Algeria. The 29-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot against the Netherlands before creating both of El Tri’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Algeria. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Remarkably, all the travelling hasn’t taken its toll on Jimenez. He’s played every minute in the Premier League this season and continues to accumulate extraordinary goal scoring statistics. “With Raul, it’s been a challenge for him and for us to manage the minutes that he plays,” Nuno explained. “He played in the Gold Cup with Mexico at the beginning of last season but he’s been able to perform very well and sustain his levels of fitness. “And again this season, it’s always a challenge for him and for us. I see Raul very well, I see him fresh and available, and when he’s like that all the talent emerges and he’s able to help the team. “He treats himself very well. The days that he needs to recover, he’s really committed to it. When he works during matches, he gives everything that he has. He is always able to pass that barrier of eventual fatigue.” Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store Nuno and his medical staff scrutinise every minor detail about Jimenez’s fitness and share their findings with their Mexican national team counterparts. The club have gone to great lengths to ensure Jimenez is always ready to compete and while record-signing Fabio Silva is waiting in the wings, Wolves’ number nine doesn’t look like he needs a breather. “Raul has always been involved with the national team so we exchange information with the national team staff. (It means) they can decide better and have the information of how Raul is, not only him but all the national team players. “It helps that both of the staff are able to take care of the players.”