Youth goalkeeper, Ryan Huddart, has been recalled from his loan spell with Eastleigh.

The 19-year-old, who was due to spend the entire season with the fifth tier club, was only granted five National League starts, and two in the FA Cup, both against Halifax Town. In total he shipped 15 goals and kept two clean sheets, with his loan team losing three of the matches he was given the nod in. Not an amazing record but not terrible by any means.

Arsenal have activated a clause in Huddart’s loan agreement, which allows them to bring the England youth international back to north London and while there’s been no reason given, it’s probably down to his lack of tangible playing time. We loan players out to give them the experience we as a club can’t; if they’re just sitting on the bench, they might as well just be back at Arsenal, where we have amazing training facilities. Better yet, we may be looking to loan him out elsewhere since it’s January. Somewhere that will actually give him regular minutes between the sticks at a competitive level.

Eastleigh wished Huddart luck following the news, saying, “We would like to thank Ryan for his efforts and also Arsenal Football Club for offering us the opportunity to take the highly rated goalkeeper on loan.

“We wish Ryan all the best for the rest of his career.”

As we’ve previously covered on the site, another player who Arsenal have recalled early is Jon Toral, who we recently explained is free to speak to other clubs since his contract with us is up come summer. Having played just 267 minutes in La Liga for loan club Granada so far this season, the 21-year-old isn’t exactly having fulfilling his potential while on loan.

Recalling players who aren’t getting minutes is a smart move on Arsenal’s part since they’ve now got time to find more suitable temporary placements. Playing time is paramount while away on loan and if they’re not getting it where they are, something’s got to change.

I like this proactive approach.