Nuno's injury update on Patricio, Podence and Jimenez

Nuno Espirito Santo has declared Rui Patricio fit and ready to go ahead of Wolves’ return to Premier League action on Monday evening.

The goalkeeper was injured after colliding with team mate Conor Coady in Wolves’ last outing, but after sitting out of international duty to allow a full recovery, the Portuguese is fully fit and in contention to face West Ham United. Nuno also supplied further positive news on Daniel Podence, who, after missing the previous seven matches with an abductor problem, is back on the grass, joining parts of training. Although the head coach couldn’t put a definite date on his return, likewise that of Raul Jimenez, Nuno was extremely pleased with the progress of both.

On Patricio’s recovery

“After the incident he had some days being assessed by the doctor. The decision was made for him not to join the national team. So, he was here, he had time to recover and now he’s fully in training sessions, he’s completely recovered and ready to go.”

On Podence returning to training

“He’s returning. He’s better from his injury. He’s been able to join some parts of the training session, so it’s the same procedure, trying to get back his fitness levels and totally recovered from the injury. We’ve been able to put him in the squad and let’s wait and see.”

On Jimenez linking up with Mexico

“It was good. It was something we think is useful, him being part of the national team, having some time with team mates – they are friends. People need to be close to each other. Everybody was really worried about Raul.

“So, he’s been able to slowly progress and show to everybody that he’s ready, but we have to be patient and follow the medical protocols. We still cannot be 100 per cent sure on when he’s going to return, but the signs are positive.”

On playing again this season

“Hopefully yes, but let’s be patient and leave the decision to the doctors because it’s a serious situation where we cannot afford any kind of mistake.”