---
title: "Tottenham: Alasdair Gold drops Djed Spence update after squad omission"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-spurs-djed-spence-alasdair-gold-latest-news-rumours-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chloe Chadwick"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2022-08-15T20:55:07Z"
modified: "2022-08-15T20:55:07Z"
---

# Tottenham: Alasdair Gold drops Djed Spence update after squad omission

**[Tottenham Hotspur](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/) correspondent [Alasdair Gold](https://twitter.com/AlasdairGold) has delivered an update on Djed Spence after the defender was left out of Antonio Conte’s [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) matchday squad against Chelsea.**

### The Lowdown: Chaotic day at the Bridge

The Lilywhites secured a 2-2 draw against the Blues in what was a dramatic encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel going head-to-head in a fiery meeting on the touchline.

None of Fabio Paratici’s new summer signings were named in the [starting XI](https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/Sz8Kh8ya/#/match-summary/lineups), though there were places on the bench for outfield players Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison.

However, the 22-year-old was not involved in the action and was nowhere to be seen, and following a fresh update, we now know why…

### The Latest: Gold’s Spence update

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/alasdairgold/status/1558824330267660289?s=21&t=UCsSWsZ5n0JqWcVDUFxgdg) ahead of the Spurs game, Gold revealed that Spence was in attendance, and that the decision not to include him was simply tactical. He wrote:

[Tottenham latest!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-3/)

“For those asking about Spence. He’s here and has travelled with the squad but Conte has gone with a more balanced bench rather than having what would essentially be four right-wing back options among the subs alone if Spence was named as well. Gil gives a third attacking option.”

### The Verdict: Regretful signing?

Spence finally joined Tottenham in a [£20m](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jul/19/tottenham-sign-djed-spence-from-middlesbrough-in-20m-deal#:~:text=Tottenham%20seal%20Djed%20Spence%20signing%20from%20Middlesbrough%20in%20%C2%A320m%20deal,-Spurs%20paying%20initial&text=Tottenham%20have%20completed%20the%20signing,%C2%A320m%20with%20add%2Dons.) move from Middlesbrough last month after being a long-term target of Paratici, but could it be a deal that he might live to regret.

The way the right-back has been treated in the last few weeks has arguably been unusual, with Conte [stating](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/djed-spence-antonio-conte-tottenham-24534400) that he was a signing by the club rather than himself, before later [admitting](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1648407/Antonio-Conte-three-players-Tottenham-Roma-Premier-League-news) that he wanted him to improve his game after the pre-season defeat to Roma, despite not playing any part.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”397976″\]

Given his age, Spence is more of a signing for the future, but if he doesn’t start getting any opportunities under the Italian, he may have to consider a trip out on loan to continue his development.