Adam Webster has been hailed as an Albion leader – even though he is out of the side.

The Albion defender missed out against AEK Athens, despite the absence of Lewis Dunk.

Roberto De Zerbi revealed Webster is not fully fit but that he remains a key figure around the club.

The head coach said: “He is a leader. He does not have to show me his leadership because he shows it every day in the training sessions, during the game.

“I think in my time he showed some periods when he is not at his best in terms of physical condition and the other part of the season when he showed the best physical condition.

“I think he depends on his physical condition.

“His quality of performance depends on his physical condition.

“He is not like Mitoma – so fast.

“Webster is one of the most important players but I have to consider the condition of the players.

“And JP (van Hecke) is playing very well. Igor (on Thursday) played I think a great game.

“We have four centre-backs, plus (Joel) Veltman.”