Despite playing just four times for Wolves this season due to injury issues, it seems as if Raul Jimenez will be heading to the World Cup later this month with his native Mexico.

After rushing back from an injury in pre-season to feature in some games earlier this season, the former Benfica man has been missing for more than two months, with his last appearance for the club coming in the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth in August.

A groin issue has kept the 31-year-old sidelined when Wolves have needed him most as they are currently the lowest scorers in the Premier League with just six goals to their name.

Jimenez was the top goalscorer and top assister at Molineux last season so while it is undoubtedly a boost that he is nearing a return, with the Mexican now back in training, it seems convenient that he is back just in time for the World Cup.

While it is every football player's dream to represent their country at a World Cup, and Jimenez should not be denied that opportunity, incoming manager Julen Lopetegui surely won't be best pleased by the prospect of the striker rushing back and making his injury worse in Qatar.

Unfortunately for the Spanish boss, his new striker has been included in Mexico's 31-man shortlist for the World Cup and considering he has 96 caps for Mexico with 29 goals, it seems likely that he will be their main man up front this month.

Gerardo Martino's side face Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia in the space of eight days later this month and if Jimenez starts all three games, having not played in two months, it cannot be good for Wolves' hopes of having him back fit and firing after the World Cup break.

The £41k-per-week earner has been a fan favourite at Molineux since joining the club in 2018 and has 55 goals in 130 appearances for the Old Gold, which led Nuno Espirito Santo to label him "special" in 2020.

While he hasn't been the same since his fractured skull injury, he is still undoubtedly going to be important as Wolves look to stave off relegation this season, so the new boss might not be impressed if he goes to Qatar considering his injury problems so far this campaign.