Wolves striker Jimenez to miss derby with West Brom

Raul Jimenez had to be substituted seven minutes before half-time in Wolves' 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Everton [Getty Images] Wolves have been dealt a big blow ahead of Sunday's Black Country derby agaInst West Bromwich Albion by the loss of striker Raul Jimenez. The experienced Mexico international had to be taken off with an injury to his left knee in Wednesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Everton. Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto cannot yet say just how long 35-year-old Jimenez will be out - but he did admit that next week's first international break of the season is timely. "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." Jimenez has scored three times since his summer return to Molineux after three years at Fulham, twice from the penalty spot and then last Sunday's first from open play, his late winner at Sheffield United. He is yet to play in a Black Country derby, having missed both post-Covid season derbies in 2020-21 following the fractured skull he suffered against Arsenal. Peixoto was asked after the match if he had thought about resting him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium - but the Wolves boss added: "He had to play to stay in the rhythm to play on Sunday." Wolves have not won a home league derby against Albion since May 2011. They go into Sunday's game three points behind James Morrison's Baggies, but with a game in hand. Albion are without winger Mikey Johnston, who is out for the foreseeable future with an ankle injury, and defender Nolan Galves (knee), but they have Brayann Pereira available again after suspension after being sent off on his Baggies debut at Derby. Latest Wolves news, analysis and fan views Ask about Wolves - what do you want to know?