Perth Glory’s Alex Grant reveals hospital scare during ruined season

Perth defender Alex Grant has opened up on last season’s health and injury troubles.

Perth Glory defender Alex Grant, right, in action against Brisbane at HBF Park last Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Perth defender Alex Grant has opened up on last season’s health and injury troubles, revealing a dash to hospital during the most trying period of his career.

Grant will line up in the heart of the Glory’s defence in Saturday’s clash with newcomers Western United in Geelong.

Trying to contain United duo Besart Berisha and Scott McDonald will be daunting, but nothing compared to Grant’s challenges last season.

Grant struggled to walk at times while battling a mysterious groin injury during the early and middle parts of Perth’s campaign.

But his nightmare only got worse with a serious bout of glandular fever on the eve of his intended playing return.

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The illness robbed him of the chance to feature in the Glory’s finals campaign.

“We played Sydney on a Thursday night, and we trained on the day of the game. We had a light session in the morning and I felt absolutely awful,” Grant said. “They sent me to hospital that night for some tests.

“Then they sent me back to Perth, and I deteriorated when I got back and I ended up having to spend the night in hospital in Joondalup because my condition had worsened and it had started to affect my liver.

“My white blood cell count was really low and my liver function test was all over the shop. It was pretty scary.

“I was bed-ridden for three weeks after that happened. I couldn’t do any physical exercise for three months.”

Grant revealed he lost 5kg during the ordeal and he spent much of the pre-season rebuilding his body. But his perseverance paid off, with the 25-year-old saying it was a dream to return in last week’s season-opener against Brisbane.

Grant said the groin issue he tried to play through last season was also a huge battle.

“It got to the point where it completely ruined me,” Grant said. “I couldn’t walk without pain. Every time I sat down or stood up, I was in pain.”

Grant said he broke down another three times in training while trying to prove his fitness and he is hoping for better luck this season.

Saturday’s match will be Western United’s first home game, and Glory players are embracing the challenge of spoiling the party.

United started their A-League life last week with a 1-0 win over the Phoenix in Wellington, with Berisha scoring the winner.

AAP