Cup rules dash hopes of Afobe to play at Arsenal

The Terriers were told by the Gunners on Monday that the 17-year-old, who has been on loan at the Galpharm Stadium since November, was able to feature in the fourth round tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger allowing Afobe to play mirrored his attitude towards Sanchez Watt, who lined up twice against Arsenal in the third round for Leeds United.

Understandably, the youngster was delighted only for his hopes to be dashed yesterday by FA Cup rules that stipulate a player on a youth loan cannot face his parent club under any circumstances.

The news comes as a blow to Town manager Lee Clark, who is already without Jordan Rhodes at the Emirates due to the 16-goal top scorer being out for up to two months with a knee injury.

A brighter development for Huddersfield yesterday, however, was agreement having been reached over keeping Afobe at the Galpharm Stadium for the rest of the season.

The England youth international had been back in north London last week to play for the Gunners in an FA Youth Cup tie. He also featured for the reserves against Chelsea.

Clark, who has agreed for Nathan Clarke to join League One promotion rivals Colchester United on loan until the end of the season, said: "Benik has played in the Youth Cup and for the reserves, and came through both games well. He rejoined us on Wednesday morning and it was great to have him back."

Afobe has netted three goals from six starts and seven appearances from the bench.

As for Arsenal, Manuel Almunia could return against the Terriers after having been sidelined since September with hamstring and calf problems.

Defender Sebastien Squillaci and midfielder Abou Diaby have recovered from respective hamstring and calf problems and will take their places in the squad, along with Tomas Rosicky who has overcome a sickness bug.

Huddersfield goalkeeper Ian Bennett, who is deputising for injured first-choice goalkeeper Alex Smithies, has signed a one-year contract extension.

Manager Clark said: "Having played with Ian in the past I knew exactly what I was getting when I brought him to the club in the summer and he has done fantastically so far."