Everton have explained two key omissions for their Carabao Cup tie.
Wednesday’s second round encounter at Preston North End saw David Moyes field a largely strong starting line-up against his former employers.
But Jarrad Branthwaite and Hayden Hackney were notable absentees from the visitors’ matchday squad at Deepdale, which the Blues have now detailed.
Branthwaite was stood down for the encounter with the Championship outfit in efforts to manage his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury last season.
The England international previously completed the entirety of Everton’s opening Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Summer signing Hackney also made his debut alongside Harrison Armstrong in midfield but has picked up what is being described as a ‘minor knock’.