Robin Van Persie Inspiring Yet Another Young Gunner

Young Arsenal striker Benik Afobe has admitted he is yet another Gunner who looks up to Robin van Persie, with the 19 year old revealing he has been having pep talks with the Holland international as he recovers from injury.

Afobe has been out of action for the side for over six months with a groin injury, and though recovery has been a long and arduous process, the hitman has turned to van Persie for inspiration as he makes his comeback.

And after scoring for the reserves in Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Norwich this week, he has revealed that the Gunners' skipper's past injuries are giving him hope that a bright future is ahead.

"I speak to Robin van Persie quite a lot and he always comes into the gym and asks me about my rehab," he told the official Arsenal website.

"He was injured quite a lot when he was younger at Arsenal, so he just tells me to keep motivated, to carry on doing what I am doing in my gym sessions and rehab and to prove a point.

"He is a fantastic striker and a fantastic person as well. He always has time for the younger lads and he has helped me quite a lot - I always listen to what he says to me."

For any player who has been out injured for a long period of time, their comeback is one that brings complete elation and faith that better days are ahead. And Afobe, who sustained his injury in Arsenal's pre-season match with New York Red Bulls, is justifiably excited to be getting his feet back onto the pitch.

"It was very disappointing to get injured - to be back after such a long time is what I have been dreaming about for the past six months," he explained.

"I played in the Emirates Cup, but when others players [got their first-team chance this season] I was delighted for them, having grown up and come through the youth ranks with them.

"It has been quite hard, but I had a good medical team behind me. Craig Gant, the fitness coach, has helped me a lot and kept me motivated. I am really happy to be back training with the team every day.

"Now I just want to get back to the same level as before, if not better, and see where that takes me. I am not too sure about a loan or if I am going to get a first-team chance but I will take it one step at a time."