Chelsea’s Jesse Derry conscious after clash of heads on Premier League debut
By Robert O'Connor, Press Association
Chelsea teenager Jesse Derry required oxygen on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher in the first half of his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.
The club said the 18-year-old forward was conscious and talking while undergoing checks after a sickening clash of heads with Forest’s Zach Abbott in the final minutes of the first period.
Play was stopped for almost 10 minutes while Derry received treatment before being taken to hospital.
Chelsea posted on X after the match: “Jesse Derry has been taken to hospital as a precaution following his first-half substitution during today’s #PL game against Nottingham Forest.
“Jesse is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for their swift response.”
The incident occurred when a Chelsea corner was allowed to bounce inside the box and, as Derry flicked the ball up on to his chest, Abbott’s challenge resulted in a heavy collision.
The clash was not shown again on Sky Sports’ live broadcast, nor inside Stamford Bridge.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty for Abbott’s challenge. The 19-year-old defender was substituted but left the field unaided and, when play resumed, goalkeeper Matz Sels saved Cole Palmer’s spot-kick.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane reported positive news after the game on the teenager and Robert Sanchez, who went off in the second half after also suffering a head injury.
“We’re hearing positive signs from Jesse and Rob,” McFarlane said. “I’m pleased for Jesse, he performed well while he was on the pitch but there’s more important things to think about right now.”
Derry, who had made two substitute appearances in the FA Cup, was making his full debut after late injuries to wingers Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho left the team short.
Forest comfortably beat the Blues 3-1 to send McFarlane’s team to a sixth Premier League loss in a row.
