Journalist Dean Jones would ‘stick by’ Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez despite his lack of productivity this season.

The 30-year-old has struggled to find his best form throughout 2021/22 and has lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks as Bruno Lage looks to address his side’s issues in front of goal.

What is the latest news involving Jimenez?

Jimenez made a big impact at Wolves following his initial arrival on loan from Benfica back in July 2018, bagging 17 goals and providing a further eight assists in 44 appearances during his maiden campaign.

The 91-cap Mexico international then elevated his game to new heights the following season, registering a whopping 37 goal contributions in 55 outings across all competitions.

However, Jimenez suffered a fractured skull in November 2020, ruling him out for the remaining fixtures of that term and significantly halting his progress on the pitch.

Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the 6 foot 3 forward made his comeback at the start of the current campaign but is understandably yet to get back to his best.

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Jimenez failed to find the back of the net in his opening five Premier League games of 2021/22 before notching five goal contributions in his next seven top-flight fixtures.

Nevertheless, he was dropped to the bench for Wolves’ last two encounters against West Ham and Crystal Palace after adding just two more strikes and one assist in his subsequent 11 league appearances.

What has Jones said about Jimenez?

Over the last few years, Jimenez has showcased his top-class ability on numerous occasions, firing the Molineux outfit to consecutive seventh-placed finishes and the FA Cup semi-finals.

And Jones believes that ‘once it clicks’ for the North American, then he will be able to start reproducing the sort of displays he previously did so on a regular basis beforehand.

He told GiveMeSport: “I'd stick by him because he's one of those players, I think, that once it clicks, it will all just fall into place in a rhythm for him again, and he obviously wants to repay Wolves too for helping him back.”

Could Wolves finish in the top four?

Wolves were looking like genuine contenders to finish inside the top four just a couple of weeks ago, but three consecutive defeats have left those aspirations hanging by a thread.

Losses to Arsenal, West Ham and Palace have left Lage’s charges sitting in eighth position in the Premier League table, eight points behind the Gunners, who are in fourth having played two games fewer.

Wolves do have a favourable run of fixtures ahead, though, and if they can get the ‘clinical’ Jimenez firing again, then a late Champions League surge could be on the cards.