Wolverhampton Wanderers have suffered a major blow ahead of Sunday’s huge Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion, with Raul Jimenez ruled out through injury.
The experienced Mexican striker picked up a knee problem during Wolves’ narrow EFL Cup defeat to Everton on Wednesday night and is now expected to spend a few weeks on the sidelines.
Jimenez had been one of Wolves’ most important players at the start of the Championship campaign. The 35-year-old has made six league appearances, starting four, and has scored three goals.
His goals have already proved valuable this season. Jimenez scored a 93rd-minute penalty to rescue a point against Blackburn Rovers on the opening night before scoring the late winner against Sheffield United last weekend. He also converted another penalty against Stoke City.
However, his injury means he will now miss one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
Speaking after the Everton game, Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto explained that Jimenez was only expected to play 45 minutes.
“Raul needed to play because he didn’t play 90 minutes in the last game. It’s not a muscular injury, but he has a small injury to his knee and we’ll be without him for a few weeks.”
Peixoto admitted the news was a major concern for Wolves, adding:
“For sure, that’s bad news for us.”
The timing of the injury has also sparked debate among Wolves supporters, with some questioning why Jimenez was selected against Everton with the West Brom derby just around the corner.
One fan questioned the decision to play the veteran striker, while another described starting him as a “stupid decision”.
Another supporter simply asked:
“Why oh why then play Raul before such a huge game!”
However, not every Wolves supporter blamed Peixoto.
Some fans believe the squad has enough attacking quality to cope without Jimenez, while others argued that the striker needed minutes to maintain his fitness and form.
One supporter insisted that Wolves should have enough players to step up, while another pointed towards Sean Neave as a player who could make an impact through the middle.
With Jimenez unavailable, Adam Armstrong could now be handed the responsibility of leading the Wolves attack against his former club.
The injury is undoubtedly disappointing for Wolves, particularly given Jimenez’s experience and his strong start to the Championship season.
But Peixoto still has attacking options available, with Neave impressing against Everton and Fer Lopez also enjoying a promising start to the campaign.
Now, Wolves will have to find a way to cope without one of their biggest names when West Brom arrive at Molineux.
The Black Country derby is finally back, but Jimenez will have to wait until the reverse fixture at The Hawthorns for another chance to play in one of the most fiercely contested games in the region.