Injured Burnley striker makes his return in academy outing following four-month absence

The 23-year-old has been sidelined for the last four months with a serious hamstring injury, which required surgery.

The striker suffered the blow while away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland back in June.

But Obafemi has now recovered and made his return for the Under-21 side in their derby clash against Blackburn Rovers at Gawthorpe.

Lawrence Vigouroux, CJ Egan-Riley, Han-Noah Massengo and Darko Churlinov also feature in the starting line-up.

Obafemi made 14 appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side during the second half of last season after joining on loan from Swansea City in January.

The move from South Wales was made permanent once the season came to an end.

Taking to Instagram after going under the knife during the summer, Obafemi provided a positive update on his condition.

“Surgery went well yesterday and I’m feeling good,” he wrote.

“Time to rest but I can’t wait to be back on the pitch with the boys and to see you Clarets soon!

“Thank you to the medical team, doctors and nurses who have been with me every step of the way.”

Elsewhere, Nathan Redmond made his return from injury on Saturday, coming off the bench during Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford.

Ameen Al-Dakhil was ruled fit for the game despite being considered a fitness doubt ahead of the game. Anass Zaroury, meanwhile, made his return having been left out of recent squads.

Hjalmar Ekdal, Jordan Beyer, Johann Gudmundsson and Manuel Benson all remain sidelined.