Nuno Santo's latest Tottenham Hotspur starting XI was quite damning.

Once again, his former Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matt Doherty did not feature as the pair made their returns to Molineux on Wednesday evening.

Instead, the Portuguese head coach opted for young academy graduate Japhet Tanganga, who appeared to be the first-choice at right-back until the deadline day arrival of Emerson Royal from Barcelona.

It now essentially leaves the 29-year-old as third-choice in north London.

Many could be forgiven in thinking that the arrival of Nuno would've given the Northern Ireland international the boost he needed to truly kickstart his Spurs career, particularly after he made 142 appearances under him in the old gold.

But that couldn't be further from the truth as his future at the club looks as far away as it's ever been, even under Jose Mourinho.

Back in February, ESPN reported that Doherty's future was in doubt under the 'Special One' despite signing him for £15m earlier in the summer. He struggled to impress the former Spurs boss, who was even seen berating him from the sideline during one defeat to Liverpool - his red card against Leeds didn't help either.

But with Mourinho gone, things have not changed for the £14.4m-rated dud whatsoever.

Under his former boss, Doherty has played only 277 minutes across all competitions so far this campaign, in which none of his appearances have been starts domestically, as per Transfermarkt.

He now has two other players ahead of him in the pecking order, so when January swings around, it would hardly be a surprise to see him moved on, especially as he's reportedly earning wages of around £65k-per-week.

talkSPORT's transfer expert Alex Crook even claimed in the summer that Doherty was surplus to requirements, so that only reinforces the potential of him leaving come the turn of the year.

Last season, the vastly-experienced defender was described as a "weak link" by BBC Sport contributor Premier League Panel.

After his latest snub, Doherty's days are surely numbered at Tottenham Hotspur.

AND in other news, Paratici could make his biggest Spurs mistake yet as January transfer report emerges...