Brighton defender Adam Webster joked that starting against West Ham after an almost two-month injury layoff may have given the club’s physios a “heart attack.”
On Tuesday night (January 2), Webster defended with Jan Paul van Hecke at the London Stadium. The 28-year-old made his first appearance since a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on November 12.
It was only his tenth match of the season overall, and he was not expected to start.
“Webster could play a part of the game if we need him,” Roberto De Zerbi said, in his pre-match press conference.
Webster was one of just two recognized center backs in the team, with Lewis Dunk suspended and Igor Julio ailing, but a virus almost prevented him from playing.
“After the Tottenham game, I was meant to do my last clearance session but I woke up on Friday morning with a virus,” Webster said. “My family had it over Christmas and I thought I had escaped it but I hadn’t.
“I couldn’t finish the [training] session. My heart rate was too high. I tried but I physically couldn’t do it.
“Luckily it didn’t last long. I trained Sunday and yesterday [Monday].”
Webster revealed that De Zerbi asked him if he could play for 30 minutes at West Ham.
“I said I wanted to play 60 and I’m ready, even though I hadn’t really trained,” the defender added.
“The day before the game, you don’t do much [in training] at all.
“The physios were probably having a heart attack. I felt good Sunday training so I was ready for it.
“It was a good opportunity for me.”
Webster revealed that it was a calf injury that kept him out of action for six weeks, which he admitted was ‘frustrating’.
He managed to play for 74 minutes on Tuesday night before being replaced by Jakub Moder. He didn’t look comfortable leaving the pitch but reassured fans he is not injured again.
“I am fine, it was just cramp,” Webster said.
“I’ve only trained twice so it was to be expected.”
