Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has admitted that the club could enter the free-agent market in search of a new striker, following the long term injury to the on-loan Benik Afobe.

Having joined on season-long loan from Championship rivals Stoke City late in the summer transfer window, Afobe had scored three times in five appearances for the Robins, before suffering an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in training last week that looks set to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Speaking about the loss of Afobe following Bristol City's goalless draw with Swansea City on Saturday afternoon - the first time his side have failed to find the net this season - Johnson told the Bristol Post: "It feels horrible - for him first and foremost - but then also for the team as he's made a big impression with them.

"From my point of view, Benik's been fantastic in the dressing room and of course on the pitch. So, it's a big loss for us but people have got to step up.

"The likes of Semenyo and obviously Szmodics can play in that role as you saw today, for a proportion of the game, need to come to fruition."

Discussing the full extent of the injury suffered by Afobe, and whether he could remain at Ashton Gate during his recovery, Johnson continued: "There's a lot that has gone on: an ACL and a few more bits in the knee as well.

"The things that will determine that [if he goes back to Stoke City or stays here] are the surgeon's report on the timescale, so if it's going to be longer then the loan he will go back to Stoke becasue he's their asset."

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Asked whether he would consider searching for a free-agent as a replacement for Afobe, Johnson admitted that he had received some interest in such a role, and discussing whether he make look to sign one, the Bristol City manager revealed: "There are a couple of frees out and about that we could potentially have a look at. A couple of agents have contacted us.

"It's a possibility... I'm not too bothered about the type of striker as we're pretty flexible with our formations. If you had an opportunity to take a top player that was fit, you would take it wouldn't you? We'll have a look."

Following that stalemate with Swansea on Saturday, Bristol City are now sixth in the Championship, and are next in action when they face third-placed Preston at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

I do think a free-agent striker is something well worth thinking about for Johnson.

As a result of Afobe's injury, the Robins only really have Famara Diedhiou and Andreas Weimann available upfront with any long-term experience in the Championship.

Given the challenges of competing at this level across the course of the season - particularly with a side expected to push for a top-six spot at the very least - I do think they could be well served looking to add another striker to their ranks if possible.

With the likes of Gary Hooper and Wilfried Bony - who both have plenty of experience at this sort of level - among those available on a free, it does seem as though there are plenty of options available for the club should they chose to go down that route.