Arsenal and England youngster Benik Afobe has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the rest of the season as he bids to step up his comeback from injury.
The 20-year-old has been back in action for Arsenal’s Under-21 and reserve sides in recent weeks after recovering from a long-term knee injury which he picked up last year when on loan at Millwall.
And he will now be looking to make an impression in the Championship again with the South Yorkshire club, after agreeing a deal to stay at Hillsborough until May.
Benik Afobe
Born: 12/2/93, Ashford, Kent
Club: Arsenal
England caps: U16s, U17s, U19s & U21s
Afobe replaces his old England U17 strike partner Connor Wickham at the club, following his return to Sunderland after a loan spell with the Owls earlier this season.
Afobe has previously played at Championship level during similar loans with Bolton Wanderers and Reading and has also been granted permission by Arsenal to feature in Wednesday’s FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Charlton Athletic next month.
"One thing I do know about Benik is that he is a quality player and we are very grateful to Arsenal," said Owls boss Stuart Gray.
"He is a very hungry striker, wants to do well and he will be eligible for The FA Cup which is a bonus.
"We are always looking to strengthen and add competition."
Afobe added on his Twitter account: "I'm pleased to join Wednesday on loan until end of the season. Ready to play first team football again after so long out."
The Kent-born striker has also been a regular for the Three Lions over the years, since making his debut for the U16s back in 2008.
Afobe in action with England Under-21s in November 2012
He was part of the U17s squad who were crowned as European champions in 2010 and went on to help England U19s into the Euro semi-final of 2012.
His last involvement with England came just under a year ago when he featured for the Under-21s against Sweden in a 4-0 win at Walsall last February.
Afobe will go straight into Wednesday's squad to face local rivals Barnsley at the weekend.
