Breaking: Mexico’s starting striker Raul Jimenez to be sidelined with MCL injury

The Mexican National Team was dealt a huge blow when it was confirmed that striker Raul Jimenez will undergo surgery after an MCL tear in his left knee. The recovery period for this type of surgery is from three to four months which means Jimenez will miss the upcoming Nations League matches against Jamaica. 

Leading up to the injury, Raul Jimenez was having the best year of his football career since his head injury years ago. It took a while for the striker to get back into form and he was heavily criticized for it. Then came the 2024-2025 Concacaf Nations League and everything changed. Mexico faced Canada in the semif-finals where he scored in the first minute of the match and then again in the 75th minute to seal Mexico’s ticket to the final for the first time in the competition. His contributions didn’t stop there as he scored another brace in the final against Panama. The first goal was early on in the game in the eighth minute and he converted a penalty in stoppage time to seal the win and Mexico’s trophy. 

Then came the World Cup a year later where he proved he was still the most in-form striker the National Team had even at 35 years old. He scored in the opening match against South Africa, his first ever, and then against Ecuador and England. After Mexico’s Round of 16 exit, Jimenez made his way back to England where it was revealed he would return to play for Wolverhampton in the Championship. The striker made his way back to the club where he made history in hopes to help them make their way back to the Premier League. In nine games Jimenez has provided one assist and scored three goals. It seemed as though he was starting the season off on a high note until injury sidelined him in the match against Everton. Jimenez had to be subbed off in the first half when he went down with a left knee injury. He was then spotted days later with a brace on his knee and crutches. It seemed that he would only be out for a few weeks with possibly a sprain. Then came the official news that it was an MCL injury and Jimenez was going to need surgery and would not be back until the New Year. 

While this does hurt Wolverhampton, this is a devastating blow for Mexico. Over the course of the last international window Jimenez proved, without playing a single minute due to injury, that he is still Mexico’s best option in the striker position. German Berterame, Armando Gonzalez and Santiago Gimenez had the opportunity of a lifetime to prove themselves yet they were unable to do so. Gimenez had two golden opportunities to score and missed them both. Gimenez has yet to prove himself with the Mexican National Team. Berterame had been in great form at club level but he was unable to transfer over that form to the National Team level. Then the youngster Gonzalez also had an opportunity to cement himself as starting striker but he also failed to do so. The youngster is unfortunately going through a tough time right now at club level as he was the preferred striker with Olympiacos but has since been sidelined by the new head coach. Hopefully he can recover his form from his time at Chivas and transfer that to the National Team. Maybe even Henry Martin can make his way back as he is currently in form with Club América. Yes he is 33 years-old but just like Jimenez, Martin proves that age is only a number and it looks like Martin is gaining back his critical form before injury almost derailed his career. Martin at least deserves a call-up for the upcoming Nations League to see if he is what Rafa Marquez needs. 

Rafa Marquez and Mexico are going to have a tough time in the Nations League without their best striker. Raul Jimenez’s MCL injury is a big blow for a team who is heavily dependent on him. Marquez and his staff will have to find a way to replace him while looking at the future as well. This is the perfect time for youngsters to step up because if one player doesn’t, another will. So, what do you think Mexico fans, how will Mexico and Rafa Marques fare without Raul Jimenez?