Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe will not be stopped from playing for his club during the Africa Cup of Nations finals after electing to miss the tournament in Gabon.
His club said on Tuesday they had received clearance from the Democratic Republic of Congo to use Afobe, who pulled out of selection for the tournament in order to cement his place with Bournemouth.
'AFC Bournemouth have received clearance from DR Congo, which will enable Benik Afobe to resume playing for the club with immediate effect,' the club said in a statement on their website (www.afcb.co.uk).
Afobe, who switched international allegiance after winning under-21 caps for England, had been expected to make his debut for the Congolese next week and his withdrawal was a huge setback for the team.