Tottenham Hotspur right wing-back Matt Doherty is likely ‘shocked’ by his lack of game time under Antonio Conte so far this season, having featured heavily towards the end of last term, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The north Londoners remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season under the Italian’s leadership but Doherty has found his game time limited.

What has happened with Doherty?

The end of last season saw the Republic of Ireland international break into Conte’s first XI, starting seven games in a row and contributing towards five goals in that time.

But he was forced from the field early on against Aston Villa in April with a medial collateral ligament tear, keeping him out of action for the remainder of the season.  

After returning from the knock in time for the 2022-23 campaign, however, Doherty was likely hopeful of picking up where he’d left off.

Instead, he has been limited to just four minutes of action, coming off the bench late on against Southampton on the opening day.

In clashes with Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham, he has remained on the bench, with Emerson Royal chosen to start in every game so far.

Middlesbrough ace Djed Spence was brought in during the summer window but has also failed to make an impression this season.

What has Brown said on the matter?

Brown says he is surprised at the lack of chances Doherty has been given this season, given how he grew into Conte’s set-up last term.

The journalist expects the 30-year-old defender is also perplexed by the situation.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “It took Doherty quite a long while to convince Conte and, by the end of the season, he was holding him up as an example of someone who had forced their way back into the team and come back from adversity. So, to see him back out on the sidelines is a bit of a surprise and I'm sure he's quite shocked by it too.”

Is Doherty’s omission a surprise?

While it may seem harsh from Conte, it is not as big a shock as it first seems.

It is worth remembering that Royal has not taken Doherty’s position away from him. Last season saw the Brazilian installed at right wing-back while the former Wolves man was, in fact, deployed on the left.

With Ivan Perisic’s arrival, and Ryan Sessegnon’s impressive resurgence, Doherty is effectively third choice in the position he thrived in last season.

The £74,000 per-week defender has already missed 18 games through injury or illness since becoming a Spurs player and Conte may feel that he now lacks the athleticism to carry out the necessary duties down the flank.