Lage: I’ve never spoken to Jimenez about horror clash
BRUNO LAGE has not spoken to Raul Jimenez about the shocking injury that threatened his life because he has never glimpsed any fear in the striker.
Jimenez returns to the Emirates tonight for the first time since fracturing his skull in a clash with Arsenal defender David Luiz in November 2020.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said yesterday the incident was one of his scariest moments in football.
The Mexican was out of action for eight months before making a remarkable comeback this summer. Jimenez, who now wears a protective headband, is Wolves’ top scorer this season with five goals.
Lage, who took over at Wolves in June, never
WOLVES 7.45PM Tony Banks
ARSENAL doubted Jimenez’s readiness for a return.
Lage said: “I’ve never talked about this with him. Because he didn’t need it. If you saw the player with any fear in training – fear of playing, fear of fighting aerial duels, maybe we can talk.
“I remember Raul saying he didn’t remember what happened. Maybe that helped him. Maybe after this I should kiss Raul and give him a big hug. But I have seen nothing since my first day. He is a fighter. I don’t see a player thinking about what happened.” Meanwhile, Arteta will take his time choosing Arsenal’s next captain. Skipper Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract at the end of this season, and Arteta said: “There will be a thorough process in summer.”
ARSENAL (probable):
Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette.
WOLVES (probable):
Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho, Ait-Nouri; Jimenez, Podence.