Doherty ‘understands’ why Antonio Conte is leaving him out

Tottenham wing-back Matt Doherty has insisted he is not frustrated over a lack of chances so far this season and understands why Antonio Conte has left him on the bench for most of the campaign.

Doherty has struggled to establish himself at Spurs in his first two seasons following his transfer from Wolves. But he eventually got a run of games under Conte from February onwards until an injury in April ended his season early.

That knee ligament tear also appears to be what has led Conte to keep Doherty back in the early weeks of 2022/23. The Republic of Ireland international has only been afforded four minutes in the Premier League and Emerson Royal has been favoured as a starter instead.

“I’m not frustrated. I understand where the manager is coming from where he thought my fitness was and he was right at the end of the day,” Doherty told the Irish Mirror.

“I know that he trusts me, I know that once I’m back again, he knows what I can do for him. Once he thinks I’m available, I’m sure he’ll give me more time.”

Spurs remain unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season and sit level on points with reigning champions Manchester City, just one point behind early pacesetters Arsenal.

They started well in the Champions League by beating Marseille but then suffered their only defeat of the season in all competitions so far against Sporting CP in gameweek two last time out.