Raul Jimenez could return for Wolves before end of the season, predicts manager Nuno

The team have struggled in his absence but the striker is closing in on a long-awaited return

Jimenez attended a Mexico training camp in the international break (Getty Images)

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes Raul Jimenez could make his return before the end of the season.

The striker has been out since fracturing his skull in a clash of heads with David Luiz at Arsenal in November.

He has been back in training for a number of weeks, although has been restricted in his heading, and Nuno is hopeful the Mexico international may make his comeback this term if he is given the green light by medics.

“I see him ready to eventually play,” he said.

“I cannot see everything - I cannot see inside his head, how the bone is, and this is what we have to respect and wait for.

“If the medical clearance came, he could be involved (at West Brom) on Monday because I see him as really good. But there are things that only MRI can see.

“He is working well, playing good, scoring and happy but we still have to wait for the medical decision.

“It requires patience and the right decisions because it’s too serious to make any kind of mistake on.”

PA