Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Sunday's Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion, with striker Raul Jimenez confirmed out of the second-tier fixture after picking up a knee injury.

How the injury happened

The 35-year-old Mexico international was forced off seven minutes before half-time in Wolves' 1-0 League Cup defeat at Everton on Wednesday, having injured his left knee. Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto has since confirmed the striker will be sidelined for what he described as "a few weeks", though the full extent of the damage is yet to be established.

"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."

Peixoto acknowledged that the timing of the first international break of the season at least offers Jimenez a window to recover without missing further Championship fixtures beyond the derby itself.

A key man at a key moment

Jimenez rejoined Molineux in the summer after three years at Fulham, and has made an immediate impression since returning, scoring three times in the early weeks of the campaign. Two of those came from the penalty spot, but it was his late winner at Sheffield United last Sunday, his first from open play, that underlined his importance to Peixoto's side.

The striker has never featured in a Black Country derby. He missed both editions staged during the post-Covid 2020-21 season after suffering a fractured skull in a match against Arsenal, and his absence on Sunday will be keenly felt at Molineux.

Peixoto indicated that he had considered resting Jimenez in midweek but ultimately felt the striker needed match minutes to maintain his sharpness ahead of Sunday's fixture. "He had to play to stay in the rhythm to play on Sunday," the Wolves boss said, a decision that has now backfired.

The championship picture going in

Wolves travel into the derby sitting three points behind their rivals in the Championship table, though they do hold a game in hand over James Morrison's West Brom side. The Baggies currently sit top of the second tier and will be looking to extend their advantage over a Wolves team that will need to reshuffle their attacking options in Jimenez's absence.

West Brom are not without their own concerns. Winger Mikey Johnston remains out for the foreseeable future with an ankle injury, while defender Nolan Galves is also sidelined with a knee problem. However, Brayann Pereira returns to availability for the Baggies after serving a suspension following his dismissal on his debut at Derby.

It is also worth noting the historical context: Wolves have not won a home league derby against Albion since May 2011, a run their supporters will be desperate to end. Whether they can do so without their leading striker in the side is the central question as Sunday's fixture approaches.

  • Jimenez injury: left knee, sustained at Everton in midweek
  • Estimated absence: "a few weeks", according to Peixoto
  • West Brom absentees: Johnston (ankle), Galves (knee)
  • West Brom returnee: Pereira available after suspension
  • Wolves' deficit in the table: three points, with a game in hand

For Wolves, the priority between now and the resumption of fixtures after the international break will be assessing how quickly Jimenez can return. For West Brom, the derby represents an opportunity to put further daylight between themselves and the chasing pack at the summit of the Championship.

Frequently asked

Is Raul Jimenez playing in the West Brom vs Wolves derby?
No. Jimenez has been ruled out of the Black Country derby after injuring his left knee during Wolves' midweek League Cup defeat at Everton. He is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
Who is injured for West Brom ahead of the derby?
West Brom are without winger Mikey Johnston, who faces an extended absence with an ankle injury, and defender Nolan Galves, who has a knee problem. Brayann Pereira returns from suspension.
Where do Wolves and West Brom stand in the Championship table?
Going into the derby, West Brom are three points ahead of Wolves at the top of the Championship, though Wolves have a game in hand on the Baggies.