The 19-year-old is a doubt for Preston's midweek game with Stoke City but his knock is not believed to be serious
Harrison Armstrong warms up prior to the European Under-19s Championships Qualifying match between England and Lithuania at Raudondvaris Stadium. Photo by Alius Koroliovas - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Harrison Armstrong warms up prior to the European Under-19s Championships Qualifying match between England and Lithuania at Raudondvaris Stadium. Photo by Alius Koroliovas - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
View Image
Preston North End believe the injury suffered by Harrison Armstrong is not a serious one.
The teenager, on loan at Deepdale from Everton, picked up a groin problem while on international duty with the England Under-19s.
He missed Preston’s home defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Friday night as a result. He remains a doubt for the Championship side’s midweek tie with Watford.
Armstrong was called up for Will Antwi’s England U19s and played the last 15 minutes of the 2-0 win over Lithuania, replacing Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg in the second half.
He then went unused during the wins over Latvia and Scotland and returned to the Preston squad. Initial indications are that his absence should be a short one.
Preston fell to a 2-1 defeat to Blackburn, a frustrating result in the club’s push for promotion to the Premier League.
Armstrong has been crucial to that, breaking into the first team after joining on loan on deadline day of the summer transfer window and impressing coaching staff and supporters alike. David Moyes, who agonised over whether to even allow him to leave, has been tracking his progress closely, including watching him in action when possible.
The Blues boss sanctioned his loan spell only after Everton secured the arrival of Merlin Rohl. The Germany youth international has since struggled with injury, however, and is now set for a spell on the sidelines after requiring surgery on a hernia issue during the international break. His recovery could impact discussions over whether Everton explore a return for Armstrong to Finch Farm in the new year, particularly with Idrissa Gueye set to miss games due to his Africa Cup of Nations commitments with Senegal.
Providing an update on Armstrong’s condition, Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom told the Lancashire Evening Post: “He was just feeling his groin. He played in the first [England U19s] game, came on late and then felt it in training, so they weren’t going to play him anymore. He wasn’t right for us for tonight but it’s not a serious thing. We’ll see [about Tuesday, against Watford]. If it’s a muscle injury and he’s not right, he won’t play. If he’s OK, then he will.”