Raul Jimenez Injured Ahead of Black Country Derby

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 been central to Wolves’ early-season plans since returning to Molineux in the summer, was forced off in Wednesday night’s 1-0 loss at Goodison Park. The timing could hardly be worse, with West Bromwich Albion due at Molineux on Sunday.

Jimenez sidelined for weeks

Head coach Cesar Peixoto confirmed the blow after the game, admitting the Mexican will miss “a few weeks”, though he stopped short of putting a precise timescale on the lay-off.

“Raul has injured his knee,” Peixoto 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 upcoming first international break of the season offers Wolves a small consolation. With no club fixtures after the derby, Jimenez will at least have a window to begin his recovery without missing an extended run of matches.

Derby dream delayed again

Jimenez’s absence carries extra sting because of what Sunday represents. Despite his long association with Wolves, he has still never played in a Black Country derby.

He missed both league meetings with Albion in the 2020-21 season while recovering from the fractured skull he suffered against Arsenal, a career-threatening injury that kept him out for months and reshaped the narrative of his time in England.

This season had felt like a fresh chapter. Jimenez has already scored three times since his summer return from Fulham – two from the penalty spot and, most recently, a late winner from open play at Sheffield United last Sunday. That goal, sharp and instinctive, suggested a striker rediscovering rhythm and confidence.

Now, just as the derby finally loomed into view, that long-awaited first taste of this particular rivalry is taken away again.

Peixoto’s selection call backfires

Peixoto was asked after the Everton defeat whether he had considered resting Jimenez with West Brom in mind. The head coach stood by his decision.

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

It was a calculated risk. Wolves chased a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup, leaned on their senior forward to lead the line, and lost him instead. The cup exit hurts; the collateral damage may cut deeper.

Now Peixoto must rework his attacking plan for one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the season, and do it without the man he has repeatedly called “key”.

The derby will go on. The noise will still roll around Molineux. But once again, Raul Jimenez will be watching it, not deciding it.