Wolves Face Derby Blow as Raul Jimenez Injured Ahead of Black Country Clash

Wolves have suffered 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’s 1-0 loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium. His absence now looms large ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Derby blow for Peixoto

Cesar Peixoto admitted the timing could hardly be worse, even if the initial diagnosis has brought a measure of relief.

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

Jimenez is expected to be sidelined for “a few weeks”, Peixoto confirmed, with the upcoming international break offering a small consolation as Wolves look to limit the damage.

“We have this break for the internationals to recover, so he will stay with us,” Peixoto said. “These kind of things can happen in the game or a training session. We don’t control these kind of things.”

Form halted at the wrong moment

Jimenez’s setback comes just as he had begun to build momentum. Since rejoining Wolves after three years at Fulham, the Mexico international has scored three times: two from the penalty spot and, most recently, a late winner from open play at Sheffield United on Sunday.

That goal looked like the moment his season truly ignited. Now, Wolves must face their fiercest rivals without him.

The derby itself carries an extra layer of frustration for Jimenez. He has yet to feature in a Black Country showdown, having missed both meetings in the 2020-21 post-Covid season while recovering from the fractured skull he suffered against Arsenal.

This weekend was supposed to change that. Instead, he will watch from the sidelines again.

Risk that didn’t pay off

Peixoto was asked after the defeat at Everton whether he had considered resting Jimenez with West Brom in mind. The answer underlined just how important the forward has become to Wolves’ attacking rhythm.

“He had to play to stay in the rhythm to play on Sunday,” Peixoto said.

The plan was clear: keep his main striker sharp for the derby. The game at Everton was meant to be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

Now Wolves head into one of their defining fixtures of the season without their focal point, and Peixoto must find a new way to land a punch in the Black Country’s biggest fight.