League Two’s bottom club Crawley have made a pair of signings, bringing in Benarous, and also striker Connor Wickham.

Benarous, 23, was released by Plymouth Argyle in the summer after making 12 appearances in League One. He came through the ranks at boyhood club Bristol City.

The former England Under-17 international spent part of pre-season with Swindon, where he made an impression during a friendly against Forest Green Rovers.

He played on the wing and produced a strong first-half display before suffering a shoulder injury at the end of the half. The problem forced him to leave the pitch and delayed any possible return to training.

Ian Holloway said he was interested in bringing Benarous back once he had recovered, but Swindon ended up moving elsewhere, with Joseph Hungbo, Jaylan Pearman, and Antwoine Hackford.

The midfielder has now joined Crawley instead, hoping to guide them away from trouble, as they have just nine points from 12 games, and dismissed manager Colin Kazim-Richards.

Benarous has had a career affected by injuries. He made his Championship debut at 18 and played 11 times in the second tier before turning 19.

However, he did not play another Championship match during the next three seasons. He also impressed when available for Plymouth in League One last season, but again struggled for availability under Tom Cleverley.

Crawley have turned to short-term recruitment as they seek to improve their position at the bottom of the division. Benarous is one of two new arrivals, with Wickham also returning to English football.

Wickham, 33, has played in the Premier League for Sunderland and Crystal Palace. He had not played in English football since leaving Charlton Athletic in May 2024.

The striker spent last season with Dubai City in the United Arab Emirates. His deal with Crawley also runs until early January.

Benarous was one of several players given an opportunity by Swindon during pre-season. Favour Onukwuli, Devarn Green, Shayon Harrison, Kyrie Pierre, Jonny Williams, Zaid Bettaka and Josh Martin also appeared.

None of those players had been signed by Swindon before Benarous moved to Crawley. His showing against Forest Green had made him the trialist who attracted the most attention.

Crawley will hope his shoulder problem is behind him as he starts this latest spell in League Two.