Benik Afobe has been on the sidelines for the majority of the season through injury.

The striker signed for the club last summer on loan from Stoke City and had a blistering start to his Robins career as he netted three goals in his first five games.

He then ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during training last September and has been recovering since.

The 27-year-old is hopeful that he can return to Bristol City next week in the latest stage of his rehabilitation as he aims to make a return to playing before the end of the season.

Here is our six-point opinion on whether he could be a boost to the Robins for the final stages of the season...

Firstly, how was Afobe doing before his injury?

"The striker was quite impressive during those handful of games he played before getting injured.

"He was scoring goals and was a threat to the opposition defenders through his all-round play as his physical approach and ability to go in behind allowed the Robins to mix things up when they tried to get the ball to him."

How have City coped in his absence?

"Bristol City have coped quite well in his absence.

"Famara Diedhiou was left out of the team because of Afobe's form when he arrived but the Senegal striker has stepped up to the plate when used in recent months.

"Lee Johnson will be the first to admit that Afobe's injury provided the club with a headache in the immediate aftermath as they looked to replace him by bringing in Rodri on a short-term deal until the middle of January."

Which players does Afobe bring the best out of?

"Attacking midfielder Kasey Palmer flourished when he was playing in behind Afobe at the start of the season.

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"The pair were linking up well and were always looking to work together as opposed to being individuals.

"Niclas Eliasson wasn't starting when Afobe was in a rich vein of form but the pair would definitely work well together with Eliasson's deadly crossing and Afobe's natural instincts in the air."

Would Afobe work well alongside Wells?

"If Afobe does make it back to full fitness before the end of the season, then him and Wells could be a dangerous partnership.

"Afobe would be able to win all the headers and flick-ons while Wells could use his movement, pace and finishing ability to score goals that his strike partner assists.

"The pair would work in tandem together."

Who would be fearing for their place?

"Diedhiou would be the likeliest player to be looking over his shoulder.

"Him and Afobe are similar players who have the same sort of attributes and can contribute the same to a team.

"Diedhiou knows that his performances have been good over the last couple of months and that Afobe may take a spot on the bench when he returns for the time being but the Senegal forward can't afford to get complacent over his team-mate's return from injury."

Finally, would Afobe bring a boost to the team?

"He definitely would, especially in the run-in.

"He would bring another threat to the team and give manager Lee Johnson another option up front in what could be a vital few months for the Robins as they chase Premier League football for the first time.

"If Afobe came back into the side and hit the ground running, like when he first signed last summer, then he could be the difference between the play-offs and Bristol City missing out."