Raul Jimenez starts Wolves friendly as striker returns to action eight months after fracturing skull

Raul Jimenez has returned to football eight months after fracturing his skull.

Jimenez played 30 minutes for Wolves in their pre-season friendly against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Meixco striker fractured his skull after a clash of heads with David Luiz during a Premier League match with Arsenal last November.

Jimenez had life and career-saving surgery after the incident at Emirates Stadium and there were initially fears that he would be unable to play again.

Eight months of hard work and rehabilitation have led to this moment.

We're all proud of you, @Raul_Jimenez9, and so pleased to see you back out there.

🐺 pic.twitter.com/bRhLZ3IFiU

— Wolves (@Wolves) July 17, 2021

But he returned to training in March after being given to all clear to resume his career by doctors.

Jimenez, who will wear a protective headband during matches for the rest of his career, was named in the Wolves team to face Crewe by new manager Bruno Lage in their first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2021-22 season.

His return is a boost for Wolves, who struggled in front of goal without him last season.