Jiménez Injury Return: Wolves Star's Fitness Managed
Raúl Jiménez marked his Wolves return with a stoppage-time penalty, but coach César Peixoto urges patience with the 35-year-old's fitness after the World Cup.
Jiménez's Heroic Return
Raúl Jiménez made a dramatic return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty and salvage a point against Blackburn Rovers in their Championship opener. The Mexico striker, who featured at the World Cup, was introduced as a substitute and calmly converted from the spot after a handball decision against Ryan Alebiosu.
His goal was a moment of personal triumph, especially after he had bought scarves for all supporters in the South Bank as a gesture of gratitude for their welcome. It was his first goal in his second spell at the club, having previously left for Fulham.
Managing Fitness After World Cup
However, Wolves' new head coach, César Peixoto, has urged caution regarding Jiménez's fitness. "He's an important striker," Peixoto said. "He lives for scoring and making goals. Raúl is a key player for us. He helped the team inside and outside the pitch but we have to go slowly with him because he is 35 years old and comes back from the World Cup. We want him to stay good and scoring for us is good for him and for the team."
The comments highlight the delicate balance between Jiménez's desire to contribute immediately and the need to manage his workload carefully. At 35, recovery times are longer, and the physical toll of a World Cup campaign cannot be underestimated. Peixoto's approach suggests a phased reintegration, with the striker likely to be used selectively in the early weeks of the season.
Implications for Wolves' Season
Jiménez's return is a significant boost for Wolves as they adjust to life in the Championship following relegation. His experience and goal-scoring instinct will be crucial, but his fitness will be a key factor in how much impact he can have. The club's medical staff will be monitoring him closely, and fans will hope that his late heroics are a sign of things to come.
For now, Wolves can take heart from the point earned at Blackburn, but the bigger picture is about managing Jiménez's condition to ensure he remains a potent force throughout the season. As Peixoto emphasized, the priority is to keep him fit and scoring.
For more on Wolves and the Championship, check out our Premier League predictions and today's AI betting tips. Stay updated with the latest football news.
