Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has suggested Raul Jimenez will get more minutes before the season ends.
Wanderers have just two games remaining this season.
It’s Everton next up at Molineux on Saturday. And Wolves then finish the 2022/23 campaign with a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.
Wolves have already sealed their safety and so, it is a chance now for Lopetegui to use his squad.
The manager can take a look at some players he hasn’t used much.
And one man who really has not been used much at all recently is Jimenez.
The Mexican’s last start for Wolves came in the 4-2 defeat to Leeds United back in March. He made the bench the following weekend against Nottingham Forest, but was an unused substitute.
Jimenez then missed the next six matchday squads, before finally returning last weekend against Manchester United.
Lopetegui gave him about 15 minutes or so at Old Trafford at the end.
It’s been a tough season for Jimenez, who spent the early parts of it on the sidelines with a niggling groin injury.
He’s made just 19 appearances this term for a total of just over 1000 minutes of time on the pitch.
Some have wondered if Lopetegui will be using the £30 million star much in the final two game, and the Spaniard appears ready to call on him.
He said (Express & Star): “He has been our first choice in a lot of matches and he has to continue working and being ready to be able to be again the first choice of his coach.
“He knows it is competitive work and it is normal. He is fine and trying of course to fight to compete. I am happy with his commitment.”
Raul Jimenez should get start for Wolves on Saturday against Everton
If reports are to be believed, Jimenez likely won’t be a Wolves player next season.
A number of clubs are chasing him, and it just doesn’t feel like he will be staying until the end of his contract, which runs until summer 2024.
It would be nice to see him start on Saturday in what could be his final appearance at Molineux.
He’s hardly played lately for one reason or another.
But if he is going to leave, it would be really nice to see him start against Everton and then be taken off towards the end so he can get a nice reception. He deserves one.