Tottenham Hotspur arrival Djed Spence will not be handed playing time by Antonio Conte in Emerson Royal’s absence, claims N17 insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Spence’s minutes

Since arriving at Hotspur Way, the 22-year-old has only played a single minute of Premier League football in a Lilywhites shirt.

Instead, Emerson has emerged as the Italian’s favoured option at right wing-back, having started seven out of eight top-flight games this season.

However, in Spurs' 3-1 defeat in the north London derby, the Brazilian full-back was sent off for a high challenge on Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.

The Latest: Wenham’s claim

Despite the opportunity to offer Spence first-team game time in the Brazilian's absence, Wenham, an N17 'insider' for FI, believes Conte will still opt for other options ahead of the £20m arrival.

When questioned over potential minutes for the 22-year-old, he told Football Insider:

“No, I have to think like Conte now.

“It’s insane. If it was up to me, I would be starting Spence now. Royal can play on Tuesday [v Frankfurt], he isn’t suspended in that competition, that’s confirmed.

“Despite the red card, I think it would be wise if he did start that game because there are so many games coming in October that if he is going to miss three then we may as well use him one more time.

“In those three games, whoever steps up, whether it be Doherty, Sessegnon, Spence or Perisic, I expect them to establish themselves.

“I don’t see Royal now coming back into the Premier League side for a long time barring suspension or injury. I really don’t.

“I think [red card] that will have angered Conte no end.”

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The Verdict: Loan move needed?

Having exploded onto the scene last season whilst on loan with Nottingham Forest in the Championship, it begs the question as to what Spence has to do to impress Conte in training.

As per WhoScored, the full-back averaged an impressive 1.6 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 1.4 clearances in the English second division last year, also adding 1.8 dribbles and 1 key pass per game to his attacking resume.

Therefore, if Conte continues to remain angry at Emerson and ends up benching him for another squad player other than Spence, it may just be time for the 22-year-old to go out on loan in search of regular first-team football - in an ideal scenario, in the Premier League.