Harrison Armstrong was left out of Everton’s squad on Saturday.
David Moyes’ side were able to return to Merseyside with a point from their game against Brentford.
It was a late goal from midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall that secured the point for Everton in west London.
Who was your Man of the Match in that crunch game? 💪
Brentford v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images
Having been brought back from his loan move at Preston North End in January, Armstrong was left watching on Saturday from the stands.
Scotland v Ivory Coast - International Friendly
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Harrison Armstrong dropped from David Moyes’ Everton squad
Moyes admitted he wants more Everton academy graduates in his senior side.
Yet he demoted Armstrong to an emergency squad option on Saturday, with the 19-year-old spotted watching from behind the dugout.
How would you rate Harrison Armstrong’s season at Everton? 🫣
Harrison Armstrong of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Izzy Poles – AMA
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The youngster has not started a Premier League game since February, with Everton’s midfield returning to full strength.
Armstrong has impressed Moyes since making his return from his Deepdale loan.
Matchday Venue Opponent Min
1 A Leeds United Bench
2 H Brighton 1′
3 A Wolves Bench
20 H Brentford 13′
21 H Wolves 87′
22 A Aston Villa 90′
23 H Leeds United 45′
24 A Brighton 80′
25 A Fulham 69′
26 H Bournemouth 14′
27 H Man United 1′
28 A Newcastle 10′
29 H Burnley 89′
30 A Arsenal Bench
31 H Chelsea Bench
32 A Brentford Not in squad
TOTAL 499′
However, not being included in the squad due to Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl’s availability must raise questions over his short-term future.
Armstrong may be sent back out on loan next season
Unless there was a late issue that meant Armstrong was unable to play on Saturday, it would appear that he is behind the following midfielders in the pecking order:
James Garner
Idrissa Gana Gueye
Tim Iroegbunam
Merlin Rohl
All four of those midfielders are expected to remain at the club over the summer.
There have even been reports suggesting Everton are looking to strengthen their midfield, with the addition of someone like Mateus Fernandes.
Where this leaves Armstrong remains to be seen, but it does not make for positive reading as far as the academy graduate is concerned.
Armstrong has two years remaining on his current deal on Merseyside, having already shown what he is capable of with regular game time.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox