West Brom's James Morrison wary of possible Wolves 'mind games' when it comes to Raul Jimenez injury
Raul Jimenez limped out injured for Wolves at Everton in midweek and was ruled out of Sunday - but Baggies boss James Morrison is wary...
Wary Albion boss James Morrison is not taking Raul Jimenez’s injury blow as definitive until he sees the teamsheet on Sunday lunchtime.
Baggies head coach Morrison suggested “mind games” could be at play after the Molineux talisman limped out of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Everton.
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto was quick to rule Jimenez out of Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated Black Country derby due to the left knee issue. The Mexican was only set to play 45 minutes and suffered the contact injury 10 minutes before the interval.
It is understood Jimenez’s injury is genuine and his absence is expected but, despite the veteran striker appearing disconsolate as he left the Hill Dickinson Stadium pitch, Morrison is taking the news with a pinch of salt.
After if he was surprised Jimenez was risked on Wednesday, Morrison replied: "No - it's just a challenging time in terms of a run of games (for clubs).
"Obviously it's only a rumour at the moment, so we'll see.
"First of all he's a really good footballer and signing for Wolves. I'm not going to expect anything, really, until I see the teamsheet!”
Former Albion loanee Adam Armstrong is set to lead the line for the hosts in Jimenez’s absence.
Prolific Championship goalscorer Armstrong struggled on a half-season loan at The Hawthorns in early 2025, netting just three goals in 16 games.
Morrison said: "Adam's a great lad and player. Even he would say it didn't work for him. It wasn't a lack of effort. He was trying really hard, it just didn't work for him.
"So if he plays... or it might be Jimenez - it might be a little bit of mind games, we'll see. We have to be ready for the whole frontline.”
Albion skipper and defender George Campbell added: "No matter what we're going to try to play our game and make it about us like we have this season.
"We won't be worried about individuals until we see the teamsheet. I don't think it's about one player, it's how we can hurt them as a team."
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