Wolves notebook: Key takeaways from Everton defeat as star striker suffers major blow

Wolves crashed out of the EFL Cup with a narrow defeat at Everton - here are some key talking points from the game.

Jimenez set for weeks out

The Black Country derby is just around the corner, so it was a surprise to see Raul Jimenez included in Wolves’ starting XI.

There was hope the star striker would come through unscathed, but he went down approaching half-time after making a challenge on the edge of the area.

After receiving treatment, Jimenez was substituted. It is a major blow for Wolves, with Cesar Peixoto confirming afterwards that the Mexican is set to miss the derby and spend several weeks on the sidelines.

Nine changes

Jimenez’s inclusion was the main surprise as Peixoto made nine changes to the side that started Sunday’s victory at Sheffield United.

Only Jackson Tchatchoua and Ladislav Krejci retained their places, with Peixoto taking the opportunity to give other members of his squad valuable minutes.

Joao Virginia and Ghislain Konan made their Wolves debuts, while Sean Neave was handed his first start for the club and showed several bright touches.

Derby selection hint?

Peixoto’s team selection also offered some clues as to who could feature against West Brom on Sunday.

Hugo Bueno, Marshall Munetsi, Adam Armstrong, Nasser Djiga and Mateus Mane were among those left on the bench, alongside Kieran Trippier, who has recently returned from injury.

Fer Lopez, Rodrigo Gomes and Andre were all absent as Peixoto rotated his squad.

With Jimenez now sidelined, Armstrong is likely to lead the line against Albion.

PM in the house

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was in the stands to watch his beloved Everton against Wolves.

He hosted Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, with the pair meeting before the game.

Burnham’s entourage was spotted around Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of kick-off, with both Prime Ministers supporting Everton. Burnham is a lifelong fan and season-ticket holder.

Virginia impresses

Joao Virginia made several outstanding stops on his Wolves debut against his former side to keep Peixoto’s team in the game.

Everton created a number of promising openings, but Virginia remained alert throughout and produced the saves required to keep the hosts at bay.

Quality eventually told

Wolves can take some encouragement from a narrow defeat, but Everton’s winner had been coming after the Premier League side repeatedly turned the screw.

Charly Alcaraz showed excellent footwork inside the area to turn past Toti before firing into the bottom corner.

Huge game around the corner

Wolves now turn their attention towards the biggest game of the season so far - Sunday’s Black Country derby.

They will have to prepare for it without Jimenez, while Peixoto’s have just days to recover from their midweek exertions.

West Brom, meanwhile, will have had eight days since their last game heading into the derby, giving them a longer recovery period.