Raul Jimenez: Wolves striker returns from fractured skull in pre-season friendly defeat

[Animous]

Raul Jimenez made his long-awaited return from injury as Wolves fell to a 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat at League One side Crewe Alexandra.

The Mexican striker, 30, had not played since he suffered a fractured skull at Arsenal on 29 November.

Wearing protective headgear, Jimenez struck the bar with a free-kick before being replaced by Patrick Cutrone.

Chris Long scored the winner at Gresty Road as Bruno Lage's reign as Wolves boss began in disappointing fashion.

Jimenez was cleared to return in May, but Wolves decided not to risk him for the final game of the season against Manchester United.It was also decided he would miss the Olympic Games even though Mexico were keen to choose the former Benfica forward as an overage player.

Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira enjoyed a winning start as Crystal Palace manager as Wilfried Zaha scored the only goal in their friendly at League Two Walsall.

Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira, who previously managed Nice in France, replaced Roy Hodgson as Palace boss on a three-year contract.

Neither of his two new signings, Michael Olise and Remi Matthews, were involved at the Banks's Stadium, although Nathaniel Clyne did feature for the first 45 minutes despite not yet signing an extension to his contract, which expired in the summer.

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