•Chelsea’s teenage winger Jesse Derry
Chelsea have confirmed that teenage forward Jesse Derry is conscious and undergoing precautionary checks in hospital after suffering a head injury during their 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The 18-year-old, making his top-flight debut for Chelsea FC, collided with Forest defender Zach Abbott in the first half and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off, reports AFP.
Chelsea said in an official statement after the defeat today said, “Jesse Derry is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks.”
The incident occurred in the 45th minute inside the Forest penalty area, with Derry receiving oxygen on the pitch as medical staff attended to him. The match was halted for several minutes before play resumed.
Chelsea caretaker manager Callum McFarlane later offered reassurance about the youngster’s condition.
“All signs are positive at the moment, so we’re hopeful he’s in good condition. From what we’ve heard, the it’s positive. Gutted for Jesse, I thought he did well in the game. He gave us a threat — a massive moment for him that has ended sadly,” McFarlane said.
Derry, who had only made two senior appearances in cup competitions before Monday night, was making his first start for the club.
The England Under-19 international, son of former midfielder Shaun Derry, joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace last summer and has impressed at youth level, scoring 12 goals in 29 academy matches this season.
Following the collision, Chelsea were awarded a penalty, but Cole Palmer’s effort was saved by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Derry was replaced by Liam Delap, who came on as a concussion substitute under the league’s head injury protocols.
Chelsea are expected to continue monitoring the youngster closely as he recovers from the incident.
