Wolves Suffer Major Setback 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 damaging his left knee in the Carabao Cup defeat at Everton.
The 35-year-old striker, who has looked rejuvenated since returning to Molineux in the summer, was forced off during Wednesday night’s 1-0 loss at Goodison Park. His withdrawal instantly darkened the mood around a tie that was already slipping away.
Derby blow for Peixoto
For Cesar Peixoto, the timing could hardly be worse. Jimenez has been central to Wolves’ early-season plans, his experience and penalty-box presence anchoring their attack. Three goals since his return – two from the spot and a late winner from open play at Sheffield United on Sunday – had given Wolves a focal point and a cutting edge.
Now he will miss Sunday’s showdown with West Bromwich Albion.
“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 international break offers some relief. Peixoto admitted the pause in the schedule has arrived at a useful moment, even if the immediate damage – losing his main striker for a derby – is severe.
Still waiting for his Black Country debut
Jimenez’s absence carries an extra sting. He has yet to feature in a Black Country derby. He missed both meetings with West Brom in the 2020-21 season after suffering a fractured skull against Arsenal, a career-threatening injury that kept him out for months and reshaped his story at Wolves.
Four years on, the rivalry comes around again and Jimenez is once more watching from the sidelines.
Peixoto revealed he had considered resting the forward at Everton, with Sunday already looming into view. In the end, he felt the Mexican needed the minutes.
“He had to play to stay in the rhythm to play on Sunday,” the Wolves boss said.
That rhythm is broken now. The task for Wolves is clear: navigate a derby without their leader up front, then hope the break is long enough for Jimenez to come back and stay back in a season that suddenly feels fragile.
