As they prepare for their Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Canada on Thursday night (10:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+), Mexico faces a pivotal decision regarding their star forwards, Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez. Jimenez, who is 33, has remarkably returned to form three years after sustaining a serious skull injury from a collision during a match.

In the years following his recovery, he seemed to merely enjoy playing again, but now he’s become essential for both Fulham and the Mexican national team. His resurgence includes reaching double figures in goals and assisting the national team in crucial matches recently, cementing his place among Europe’s top strikers once more.

As Jimenez himself stated, “I came back a year after the injury, but I think I came back to my best version not too long ago.” His performance has been instrumental in both league play and international competition, making him a vital part of Mexico’s strategy in the Nations League.