Bristol City CEO Mark Ashton has confirmed that on-loan striker Benik Afobe is set to return to the club on Monday, as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

Afobe joined the Robins on a season-long loan from Championship rivals Stoke City back in the summer transfer window, and had made an immediate impact at Ashton Gate, scoring three goals in five league games before an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury left him on the sidelines for several months of the season.

Despite that, it seems Afobe has not given hope of appearing for the Robins again this season, and discussing the situation around the striker, Ashton told the BBC: "Let's be really clear. From the moment that Benik got injured, he said to me that ‘I will be back, I will play again for Bristol City before the end of this season’.

"He was really clear and with all the challenges and disappointments that have gone on in his personal life, he has not wavered from that. He’s quite a special human being."

Explaining the terms of the agreement Bristol City have in place with Stoke over the process if Afobe's recovery, Ashton continued: "We had an agreement with Stoke that he would be rehabilitated by Stoke for the first part of his injury recovery and for the latter part, he would come back to us and that commences on Monday. We’ll assess him on Monday, we’ll see where he is in his recovery."

It seems however, that while there is a hope around Bristol City that Afobe will return to action this season, that is yet to be guaranteed, with Ashton concluding: "He’s still a way away from it but it’s great to have him back in the door. He’s very liked and loved by everyone at the football club and the sooner he’s back, the better."

As things stand, Bristol City are currently seventh in the Championship table, three points adrift of the play-off places with 12 games of the season remaining.

There are around 18 months remaining on Afobe's contract with Stoke, securing his future with the Potters until the end of next season.

The Verdict

This would be quite something if Afobe was to return to action for Bristol City this season.

With everything he has been through in the past few months, the fact this is even a possibility feels like a huge testament to both his physical and mental in overcoming what have been incredibly difficult circumstances.

When you look at his record in the early part of the season as well, this also feels like it could be a significant boost for Lee Johnson's side in the race for play-offs over the next few months.

Indeed, with the Robins tasting back to back defeats in their last two games, that is a boost they may well need if they are to haul themselves back into the top-six.