Wolves have been dealt a major setback on the eve of their Black Country derby against West Brom after striker Raul Jimenez suffered an injury during their EFL Cup defeat to Everton.
The Mexican had to be withdrawn in the 38th minute of the fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after sustaining an issue with his left knee.
Jimenez returned to Molineux in the summer after spending three years with Fulham and the 35-year-old has netted three times for Cesar Peixoto's side.
He opened his account in his first appearance from the penalty spot during the 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers on the opening night of the Championship season, and scored again from 12-yards against Stoke City.
Jimenez was handed the cpatain's armband in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham City before finding the back of the net from open play in the 1-0 success over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
There is a degree of comfort for Wolves that Jimenez's injury precedes a three-week international window, but the striker's absence for the visit of local rivals West Brom is a major blow as the Old Gold look to secure the all important bragging rights.
We've taken a look at how long Jimenez could be out for.
When is Raul Jimenez expected to return from injury?
Wolves boss Peixoto admitted Jimenez will be injured for a "few weeks" in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss to Everton.
"It's not a muscular injury, but he has a small injury to his knee and we'll be without him for a few weeks," Peixoto told club media. "For sure, that's bad news for us."
Jimenez has been ruled out of Sunday's fixture against West Brom and will remain in Wolverhampton during the international break to complete his rehabilitation.
Wolves will be hoping Jimenez will be in contention to return for the trip to Teesside to face Middlesbrough on Saturday 10th October.
The Midlands club have a gruelling schedule of five Championship fixtures in 14 days with their encounter against Middlesbrough followed by Bolton (H), Burnley (A), Portsmouth (H) and Watford (H).
