Raul Jimenez's Shocking Absence from Mexico's October Squad Explained

Mexico will be missing Raúl Jiménez, the standout performer of the Javier Aguirre tenure, for their forthcoming October international exhibition matches.

Jiménez was on target for El Tri when he netted a superb header to break the deadlock against South Korea last month—Mexico's most recent fixture. The strike marked his 10th goal in 16 outings since Aguirre's return as Mexico's head coach following the 2024 Copa América.

The Fulham forward has experienced a career resurgence over the past year. Many believed his prime years were over after the serious head injury he sustained during his stint at Wolves, when he clashed aerially with former Arsenal defender David Luiz.

Five years on, he's become El Tri's most crucial player and appears set to be Mexico's first-choice striker at a World Cup for the first time in his career next summer.

Nevertheless, for the first time since September 2024, Jiménez will be absent from Mexico's international duties. Jiménez sustained an injury recently that will rule him out of El Tri's October exhibition matches against Colombia and Ecuador.

What Is Raul Jimenez's Injury?

Jiménez sustained a hip problem in Fulham's 3–1 loss to Aston Villa on Sept. 28. He made his second Premier League start of the campaign and found his first league goal of the season, before being forced off the field in discomfort just 11 minutes into the match.

While Fulham confirmed the injury is not serious, Jiménez was unable to recover in time to feature against Bournemouth five days later in the Cottagers' final game before the international window.

Jiménez's unavailability presents a challenge for Aguirre as regular alternatives Henry Martín and Ángel Sepúlveda are also sidelined with their own fitness issues.

AC Milan's Santiago Gimenez will probably receive the majority of minutes against Colombia and Ecuador.

When Will Raul Jimenez Return From Injury?

Thankfully for Mexico, Jiménez's injury shouldn't keep him out for an extended period. The two-week international window should provide sufficient time for his complete recovery and he may return to action when Fulham welcome Arsenal on Oct. 18.

With Fulham already missing two other forwards as Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz are also injured, the club requested that El Tri exclude Jiménez from the October international squad, according to FOX.

Jiménez may rejoin Mexico during the November international window, when Aguirre's team is set to play two exhibition games against Uruguay and Paraguay.