Wolves' Raul Jimenez Ruled Out for 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 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 over Sunday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Derby blow for Peixoto

Head coach Cesar Peixoto admitted the timing is painful, even if the damage is not as serious 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 break now offers a sliver of relief. Wolves expect Jimenez to be sidelined for “a few weeks”, and the pause in club action at least limits the number of games he will miss.

Jimenez’s revival checked

Jimenez’s setback comes just as he had begun to find rhythm again in gold and black.

Back at Molineux after three years with Fulham, the Mexico international has scored three times already this season – two from the penalty spot and, most recently, a late winner from open play at Sheffield United on Sunday. That goal underlined his value to Peixoto’s side: experience, composure, and a knack for decisive moments.

He has still never featured in a Black Country derby. Jimenez missed both meetings with Albion in the 2020-21 season while recovering from the fractured skull he suffered against Arsenal, and now another opportunity has slipped away.

Risk that didn’t pay off

Peixoto was asked after the Everton defeat whether he had considered resting his veteran forward with West Brom in mind. The answer was blunt.

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

Wolves must now face their fiercest rivals without the man they had been building around. The question is simple and stark: who steps up in his place when the derby roar returns?