Raúl Jiménez to undergo knee surgery, sidelined until January
Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez will undergo left-knee surgery in London on Friday after his medial collateral ligament injury did not heal as planned, ruling him out until January.
Surgery confirmed after failed rehabilitation
Jiménez suffered the problem during Wolves’ Carabao Cup loss at Everton on September 16. Initial expectations were that the relatively low-grade MCL injury could recover without an operation, but repeated scans over the past three weeks showed insufficient healing.
Director of performance Phil Hayward said the ligament had not responded to the club’s conservative treatment plan. Jiménez is now expected to face roughly three months of rehabilitation after surgery before he can return to action.
- September 16: Jiménez injures his left knee in the Carabao Cup defeat at Everton.
- Following three weeks: Wolves monitor the ligament through regular scans and rehabilitation.
- Friday: The Mexico forward is scheduled for surgery in London.
- January: Wolves expect their striker to be available again after his recovery programme.
Wolves lose a key attacking reference point
The setback removes Wolves’ leading focal point at a crucial stage of their Championship campaign. Since returning to Molineux from Fulham last summer, Jiménez has scored three times in six league matches.
Wolves sit 10th, three points outside the play-off places behind West Brom. Their next fixture is Friday night against Burnley, who are 21st and level on points with the relegation zone.
Mexico also face a striker shortage
Jiménez will miss Mexico’s two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica in mid-November. His absence is a further issue for El Tri after Rafael Márquez’s opening international windows in September and October ended without a win.
- Jiménez’s knee operation is set for Friday in London.
- The striker is not expected back before January.
- He has three goals from six Championship appearances this season.
- Mexico will be without him for both Jamaica matches next month.
Fitness picture improves for three others
Wolves have received more positive updates on Rodrigo Gomes, Bertrand Traoré and Boubacar Traoré, although each remains short of full availability.
Gomes is recovering from ankle ligament damage. Inflammation must settle before the club can increase his outdoor work, but Wolves do not regard his absence as a long-term issue.
Bertrand Traoré has a small hamstring injury in an area considered vulnerable to recurrence. Wolves are taking a cautious approach, despite Hayward reporting that the forward is progressing well.
Boubacar Traoré, sidelined for a couple of weeks with a calf problem, has resumed pitch-based rehabilitation. He is expected to rejoin full training within the next one or two weeks if his recovery continues on schedule.
