£15m Tottenham man admits he is unfit

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So far this season, Antonio Conte has handed Matt Doherty just three minutes of Premier League action for Tottenham.

It was said that the Italian is concerned about the Republic of Ireland international’s fitness levels after the summer break, and as a result, Emerson Royal has been preferred on the right of defence.

It has not been an ideal start to the 2022/23 campaign for Doherty, and the 30-year-old has now spoken about his situation.

What’s the story?

Well, the Tottenham No.2 is at least on the same page as Conte, as he agrees his fitness levels are not good enough.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, Doherty said: “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. I know that he trusts me, I know that once I’m back (fit) again, he knows what I can do for him.

“Once he thinks I’m available, I’m sure he’ll give me more time.”

Clearly, Doherty – a £14.7m signing from Wolves in 2020 – agrees with Conte, and is keen to get himself back to the required levels.

As we saw last season after the Italian replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, the Irishman is well suited to the current system, having recorded six goal involvements in 23 games under Conte.

Matt Doherty needs to be quick at Tottenham

In our view, Doherty doesn’t have much time to waste when it comes to regaining full fitness.

Tottenham added another competitor for the right-back role over the summer when signing Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, so Conte now has three options in that department.

Therefore, Doherty could easily find himself third choice in the pecking order if he still isn’t fit after the international break.

Interestingly, West Ham made an enquiry for the 30-year-old ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline.

If Doherty fails to change things for himself in N17 before January, he should consider joining the east Londoners if they resurrect their interest – if not, he may not receive much game time this season, in truth.