BRIGHTON star Julio Enciso has revealed that he fainted on the plane while travelling to international duty.
The Paraguayan, 20, claimed he “almost died” – before being helped out by a fellow passenger.
Enciso was in action as a 73rd minute substitute during Brighton’s 3-2 win over Tottenham last Sunday.
He then jetted to South America, where Paraguay are set to battle Ecuador in Quito.
On the plane over, Enciso began to feel unwell.
Since arriving in Ecuador, he has detailed his flight ordeal.
As per Sport Witness, the attacking midfielder said: “My head hurts. I almost died, I fainted on the plane.
“I was powerless, I didn’t eat or sleep well. At one point I got up to go to the bathroom and I felt like I was falling.”
Enciso went on to reveal what managed to perk him up.
He added: “A guy grabbed me and took me to the front; He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup and that did me good.”
The Brighton ace will hope to feel fully 100 per cent again for his team’s clash with Ecuador tomorrow evening.
Paraguay are then set to host Venezuela next Tuesday, in what could be a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Despite his youth, Enciso is already a key man for his country.
He has already earned 19 caps, having debuted in 2021.
Enciso is yet to start a Premier League game for Brighton under boss Fabian Hurzeler
His five Prem outings this term have all come from the bench – although he has started League Cup games against Crawley and Wolves.