Raul Jimenez bags first goal for Wolves since serious head injury

Raul Jimenez was back on the scoresheet for the first time since his return from a fractured skull, bagging the equaliser in Wolves' 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

The 30-year-old has completed his recovery from a sickening head injury suffered back in November 2020 against Arsenal, when he required emergency surgery following a clash with Gunners defender David Luiz.

Jimenez was named in Wolves' starting lineup for a friendly against Crewe earlier in July, but he failed to find the net against the League One outfit. His long-awaited return to the scoresheet finally arrived on Saturday, however, when he scored in the Premier League side's 1-1 draw with Stoke.

Bruno Lage's men fell behind to Danny Batth's opener on 27 minutes, but only two minutes later, parity was restored. Jimenez showed his predatory instincts to get his goal, pouncing on Josef Bursik's smart save to tap home into an unguarded net.

The Mexican looked to the skies in gratitude, arms aloft in celebration and delight. His strike was also welcomed by Wolves' away following, who were present at the bet365 stadium to witness his crowning moment.

It has been a long and arduous journey to recovery for Jimenez, who has not kicked a Premier League ball since clashing heads with Luiz in November. The forward suffered a fractured skull in the challenge, and had to be rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

Fortunately, Jimenez survived the scare and was given the all-clear to begin training again towards the end of last season. He took part in non-contact sessions and was advised to avoid heading balls, working with medical staff to create a tailor-made plan for his progress.

All of that hard work has culminated in his return to action, and he reached another landmark in Staffordshire, scoring what will hopefully be the first of many goals now he's returned.