Antonio Conte has offered a lifeline to Djed Spence at Tottenham.
The summer signing has been handed only one minute of competitive action this season after a protracted move from Middlesbrough and Conte has previously been dismissive about the prospect of replacing Emerson Royal with either Spence or Matt Doherty.
Lucas Moura – another option there – has struggled with injury and Emerson has been frequently criticised despite his seemingly guaranteed starting role up until this point.
The Brazilian, however, is suspended for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton and his absence will force Conte’s hand.
Doherty started last week’s win at Brighton and looks the most likely option to get the nod again, though Conte appeared to talk up Spence’s chances going forward.
“I was really pleased with Matthew. Last season he struggled but then he became a really important player for us,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“Also Djed, he’s working and improving and he’s starting to understand which is the demand to stay at Tottenham."
