Raúl Jiménez has begun rehabilitation after knee surgery, with Wolverhampton’s Mexican forward expected to return between late January and early February 2027.
The operation, carried out successfully on Friday 16 October, addressed a medial collateral ligament injury that has removed Jiménez from Wolves’ plans during the early part of the 2026-27 campaign. He started his recovery programme on Monday, taking the first steps toward a return in the second half of the season.
Posting images from his physiotherapy work, Jiménez wrote: “Back at work, taking small first steps on the road to recovery.”
A setback traced to Everton
The problem began during Wolverhampton’s Carabao Cup meeting with Everton on 16 September. Jiménez was forced off before half-time after experiencing pain in his knee, and treatment on the pitch made clear that he could not continue.
Initially, there was hope that rest and treatment might be enough. Wolves later confirmed that surgery was required for the MCL damage. Recovery periods for such injuries can range from six weeks to a year, depending on their severity, but Jiménez is expected to need around three months.
That timetable would put the 35-year-old in contention for Wolves’ run-in and could also make him available for Mexico’s March 2027 international window.
Mexico and Wolves have felt his absence
Jiménez was unavailable for Rafael Márquez’s first matches as Mexico coach, missing friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile.
At club level, Wolves have played four matches without him. They lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough and 3-1 against Bolton, while recording wins over West Bromwich Albion, 1-0, and Burnley, 2-1.
For now, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than fixtures. From the Midlands to Mexico’s national-team calendar, the target is clear: a fit Jiménez for the decisive months of the European season and the next international programme.
