Overview
- Everton confirmed the early recall of 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong from Preston North End, with the midfielder in contention for Sunday's home match against Brentford.
- David Moyes had said on December 30 that a January return was "more than likely," and Armstrong has now reported back to Finch Farm to join first-team training.
- Moyes' options have been thinned by Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye departing for the Africa Cup of Nations and a hamstring injury to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall expected to keep him out until later this month.
- Armstrong became a regular at Preston during the first half of the season and helped keep them near the Championship play-off places, prompting frustration from Lilywhites supporters over the recall.
- Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom had previously acknowledged Everton's right to act to protect their squad, even as the move disrupts his side's promotion push.