The soccer world held its collective breath when Wolves striker Raul Jimenez was stretchered off the pitch following a horrifying head-to-head collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz on Sunday.
Jimenez, the 29-year-old Mexican national team star, was given oxygen in a grisly incident that left him motionless on the turf early in Wolves’ 2-1 win over the Gunners.
He underwent surgery after suffering a fractured skull and was said to be “comfortable” in a London hospital after the operation.
[ MORE: Tight VAR call decides West Ham - Villa ]
UPDATE: Wolves’ club doctor confirmed on Wednesday that Jimenez “has been recovering well in hospital.” We went on to add the following about a potential hospital release “early next week"…
Jimenez issued a short statement on his Twitter account late Monday, saying:
Wolves center back Conor Coady had dedicated the win to Jimenez, saying the club had him on his mind over the duration of the game.
Coady also gave a gut-churning account of being at the heart of the incident, saying that he “heard it” and that Jimenez was “not really responding.”
The incident has inspired discussions on head injury protocol, as Luiz was allowed to stay in the game nursing a terrible but bandaged head wound before departing at halftime.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defended his team’s actions regarding Luiz despite admitting that the Brazilian “couldn’t really head the ball.” On Monday, Man City manager Pep Guardiola was among those calling for clarity on concussion protocol.
Jimenez has four goals in 11 appearances this season and 48 goals and 18 assists in his two-plus seasons with Wolves. Let’s pray he is truly back, healthy, and in-form soon.
— Raúl Jiménez (@Raul_Jimenez9) November 30, 2020