Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute again for Aston Villa in their 3-1 win over Coventry City in the Carabao Cup -- for the third game in a row.
The Argentine joined Villa on loan in the summer from Chelsea. The deal includes the obligation for a permanent transfer based on the number of appearances he makes.
Despite head coach Unai Emery making seven changes to the starting line-up from the weekend for this match, Garnacho did not play a minute.
He has not yet started a competitive fixture for Villa across six matches so far this season.
When asked about the former Manchester United man's lack of minutes in a post-match news conference, Emery said:
"[He has to] continue working. Work, work, train, work. When he can have minutes to play, try and play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now.
"George [Hemmings] is playing fantastic. Alysson is also understanding things well and is giving us things I want.
"[Ibrahim] Mbaye also responded well. We want a competitive team and players to compete in the style we have.
"Garnacho is a little bit behind, because of some circumstances we had in pre-season," Emery said. "It is time to be patient for the time he needs."
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Villa travel to Tottenham on Saturday in the Premier League's early lunch-time kickoff slot, with both sides still searching for their first top-flight win of the season.
The Midlands club have also been drawn against Bournemouth in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after progressing