Raul Jimenez Ruled Out for Black Country Derby

Wolves have been hit by a major setback on the eve of the Black Country derby, with Raul Jimenez ruled out after injuring his left knee in the Carabao Cup defeat at Everton.

The 35-year-old striker, who has quickly re-established himself as a central figure since returning to Molineux in the summer, was forced off in Wednesday night’s 1-0 loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The timing could hardly be worse, with West Bromwich Albion due at Molineux on Sunday.

Head Coach's Comments

Head coach Cesar Peixoto admitted the blow, but insisted the damage is not as severe as first feared.

“Raul has injured his knee,” he told BBC Radio WM. “It is not too bad. But we are all frustrated because he is a key player for us.

“He will stay injured for a few weeks. But we have this break for the internationals to recover, so he will stay with us.

“These kind of things can happen in the game or a training session. We don't control these kind of things.”

The international window now looms as a crucial buffer. Wolves will be without their leading forward for “a few weeks”, but Peixoto is banking on that pause softening the impact on their league campaign.

Jimenez's Recent Performance

Jimenez had been gathering momentum. Since returning from three years at Fulham, he has scored three times – twice from the spot and, most significantly, a late winner from open play at Sheffield United last Sunday. That goal looked like the moment his second Wolves spell truly caught fire.

Now he faces another unwanted spell on the sidelines, and once again he will watch a Black Country derby from a distance. He missed both meetings with Albion in the 2020-21 season after suffering a fractured skull against Arsenal, and is still yet to experience the fixture on the pitch.

Considerations for the Derby

Peixoto revealed he had considered the physical demands on his veteran forward, but felt Jimenez needed the minutes at Everton to be ready for Sunday.

Asked if he had thought about resting him, the Wolves boss said: “He had to play to stay in the rhythm to play on Sunday.”

That rhythm has been abruptly broken. With Jimenez sidelined and the derby looming, Wolves must now find a different route to goal in one of their most emotionally charged fixtures of the season.