Dyche Expected to Include Teenage Sensation in Everton’s Matchday Squad Against Southampton – Report
Sean Dyche is poised to include Harrison Armstrong in Everton's matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Southampton, reports Liverpool World.
On Friday, November 1, a Merseyside news outlet reported that 17-year-old Armstrong is expected to be named among the substitutes for Everton’s match against Southampton due to increasing injuries in central midfield.
Armstrong made his full senior debut for the Toffees in the recent 1-1 Carabao Cup draw against Southampton at Goodison Park, though he was substituted before the team lost in the subsequent penalty shootout.
Sean Dyche is prepared to trust his younger players as Everton navigates a critical period.
Although Dyche has led a remarkable turnaround for the club in the Premier League this season, the squad is becoming stretched as they face an important match against Southampton, with Dyche eager to create some distance between his side and the relegation zone.
James Garner has joined Tim Iroegbunam on the injury list, with the 23-year-old expected to be sidelined until after the November international break.
This situation leaves Dyche with only Abdoulaye Doucoure, Orel Mangala, and Idrissa Gueye as senior options in midfield, putting the squad on the brink of a potential crisis with any further injuries.
Earlier in the season, Everton called up 19-year-old Roman Dixon to fill in at right-back during a 4-0 defeat against Tottenham, and it seems they will adopt a similar strategy with Armstrong now likely to see more first-team action.
Dyche recognizes the potential of the England Under-18 international and has supported his rapid development at Finch Farm.
Although Armstrong’s playing time on Saturday may be limited, his previous experience against Southampton will be valuable.
If given the chance to make an impact, it could serve as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for greater first-team involvement in the future.
