Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without star striker Raul Jimenez for at least a month after the player suffered a knee injury during a pre-season friendly, reports The Telegraph journalist John Percy.
The Lowdown: How it happenedā¦
The Mexico international picked up an injury to his knee in the first half of the Wanderersā recent friendly against Besiktas after over-stretching for the ball.
The striker had scored the first goal in Wolvesā 3-0 victory before he hobbled off the pitch, striking fear into Bruno Lageās heart, whose side are preparing for next Saturdayās Premier League opener against Leeds UnitedĀ at Elland Road.
The Latest: Percyās update
Percy has shared the news of Jimenezās injury, revealing the extent to which the Wolves forward suffered. Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist stated:
āWolves pre-season preparations suffer a blow as Raul Jimenez ruled out for at least a month of new season. Could be up to 8 weeks after a knee injury against Besiktas, potentially ruling Jimenez out of opening 8 PL games.ā
In the accompanying article, Percy reveals that the 31-year-old underwent medical checks this week and that there are fears that he may not be available until after Septemberās international break.
He reports that Wolves expect to recruit another striker by the end of the window, but the club is determined to find the right fit for the squad and Lageās play-style.
The Verdict: Huge blow
This news will come as a huge blow to Wolves, as only three other Wanderers players made more league appearances than the Mexican last season.
Furthermore, Jimenez was Lageās joint-leading scorer for the 2021/22 campaign, meaning the side will have to look elsewhere for goals.
His injury leaves the Wolves boss short on attacking options, with striker Fabio Silva loaned out to Anderlecht for the season with no option of a recall.
Jimenezās injury makes a new marquee striker signing an absolute necessity for the Midlands club this summer.
