Wolves striker Raul Jimenez played 45 minutes for Mexico last night in a friendly match against Sweden.
The 31-year-old took to the field for the first time since playing for Wolves in the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth at the end of August.
Jimenez has been unavailable for Wolves with a groin injury.
Given his fitness issues and also the huge setback with Sasa Kalajdzic, Wolves were forced to sign Diego Costa as a free agent after the summer transfer window had closed.
Jimenez has been endeavouring to return to action in recent weeks in a bid to play at the World Cup in Qatar.
Wolves permitted him to go to Mexico recently to continue his rehabilitation, and he was then recently allowed to go to Girona to be with the squad ahead of the tournament.
Last week, Mexico named him on the bench for their friendly against Iraq.
He was not fit to play then and was not going to take to the field. But the move angered Wolves, who were in action against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup at the same time.
Last night, Tata Martino named Jimenez on his bench, but this time gave him minutes.
And he gave him more minutes than most people expected.
Jimenez came on at half-time and played the entire second-half.
The star was clearly not match fit at all. But did appear to be moving about fairly freely in terms of his injury. Goal stated that ‘the attacker’s 45 minutes of work were not sharp’.
And ESPN’s David Faitelson tweeted that he was ‘not in rhythm’
After the game, Martino said: “I want to highlight that Raúl Jiménez played for 45 minutes.
“Today’s substitutions were pre-established. They had nothing to do with what was happening in the match. We wanted to see some players with minutes, and I am happy with what has happened in the last 15 days.”
Latest Raul Jimenez development has irritated more Wolves fans, as star gets 45 minutes against Sweden
Jimenez was expected to feature last night, with Martino previously saying he would ‘probably’ get minutes in the game.
But few really expected him to play the whole second-half, and it has not gone down well at all with many Wolves fans on social media.
It is understandable why there is frustration.
He doesn’t play for Wolves for months and then as soon as club football ceases, he features in this game with Sweden.
A five or 10-minute cameo might have sat better with most Wolves fans.
But are many struggling with seeing him playing a full half.
It could just be a complete coincidence. But the lack of communication around the situation has given it a bad look and it’s definitely a bit of mess.