Wolves given huge problem for Aston Villa and Newcastle United matches

Raul Jimenez will miss Wolverhampton Wanderers’ next two matches after being sent off for the second time this season.

The Mexican striker was dismissed in the 53rd minute of Wolves’ Premier League clash with Leeds United on Friday night after a collision with goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Jimenez was already on a booking after a first half challenge on Leeds centre-back Pascal Struijk.

Wolves’ players and supporters were furious with referee Kevin Friend’s decision. Jimenez and Meslier were contesting a 50/50, which the Leeds goalkeeper won before following through on the Wolves striker. Friend, however, arrived at the conclusion that Jimenez initiated the contact and deemed it worthy of a second caution.

Jimenez will miss Wolves’ meeting with Aston Villa at Molineux after the international break, while he’s also in line to sit out the clash at Newcastle United the following week. Jimenez will be given a two-game ban due to this being his second red card of the season.

The striker was sent off in equally bizarre circumstances in December when Wolves played Manchester City at The Etihad. On that occasion, Jimenez was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of 60 seconds.

Jimenez’s impending ban is a huge blow to Bruno Lage. The 30-year-old hasn’t been in great goalscoring form this season, but he remains integral to the way Wolves play.