Transfer Rumors: Wolverhampton To Explore January Transfer Window With Jimenez Return Unknown

The Wolverhampton Wanderers will check out the January transfer window for a player they can procure. The sudden need stems from the "terrible absence” of forward Raul Jimenez. The 29-year-old Mexican footballer suffered a fractured skull when he clashed heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz last month.

There is no timetable for Jimenez’s return. His absence is making life difficult for the Wolves, which have lost three of their last four games since the Mexican was injured on Nov. 29.

Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that they are holding discussions to address the void. He feels that the loss of Jimenez is similar to Tottenham losing star striker Harry Kane, Sky Sports reported.

"I will not compare it, but I would say the absence of Raul is very important to us," Nuno said. "We feel it and we felt it since the moment it happened. It is a huge blow because it is not only what he does on the pitch, but what he means for the squad.”

Jimenez has scored a total of 48 goals in his two and a half years at Molineux. Nuno branded the loss of the 29-year-old as terrible for the Wolves and the club is feeling the pinch of not having the forward around.

"The confidence that the players have in him, the belief that until the last minute that he is going to put it inside (the goal). I will not compare to other teams, but I will admit that for us his absence is terrible," Nuno said.

Jimenez underwent surgery from that clash of heads but has already been discharged from the hospital and is at home resting. According to Mexico manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino, he is hopeful that the injury will not affect the player’s future in the sport.

"I don't think it will," said Martino in an interview with TUDN (via ESPN). "Raul is a very strong person and football player, with a good head and a very positive mentality."

Following the harrowing incident, football’s lawmaking body IFAB is now taking steps to address the issue which other players may suffer from.

Under the proposed protocols, players with an actual or suspected concussion will be "permanently removed from the match to protect their welfare," with the team allowed to bring in a replacement.