Everton have a really busy festive period approaching, and it could be a decisive five weeks heading into 2026.
David Moyes wants to qualify for Europe this season, so Everton will need to have a productive end to the year to stay within the top half.
David Moyes on Everton’s European hopes
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
At the moment, the Toffees are only three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, so they’re well-placed to achieve their goals.
But, last season’s Player of the Year Idrissa Gana Gueye is suspended for three games and will then be jetting off for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the final taking place on January 18th.
That will be a concern for Moyes, and it may force him to recall Harrison Armstrong from Preston North End during the winter window.
Although, that decision will all hinge on Tim Iroegbunam.
Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam will be key in Harrison Armstrong decision
Gueye could miss nine out of Everton’s next 10 games due to suspension and AFCON, so Iroegbunam is set to become a key player over the next month, or so.
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Iroegbunam impressed when he came on against Manchester United on Monday night, but filling Gueye’s void over a longer period won’t be easy.
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In fact, his performance levels will probably determine whether Moyes recalls Armstrong from his season-long loan spell.
If Iroegbunam struggles and Senegal advance to the latter rounds of the tournament, surely Everton will bring back Armstrong as soon as the January window opens.
Preston fans can’t believe how good Armstrong is, and some reckon he’ll be a future England captain, so that’s how impressed they’ve been.
Everton should recall Harrison Armstrong regardless
Everton should terminate Armstrong’s loan deal at Preston regardless of how Iroegbunam performs this festive period.
The 18-year-old has already had a successful loan spell at Derby last term and now looks like one of the best players in the division with North End.
This is the perfect response to their scuffle at Old Trafford!
So, he’s clearly ready for the next step in his development, which is to play in the Premier League, and it must come in the winter as Everton really need him.
Armstrong could make an immediate impact and may even displace Gueye from the starting line-up for the second half of the campaign.
Everton fans were questioning Gueye earlier this year as they felt he was showing signs of decline.
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