Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White were forced into substitutions after a clash of heads at Stamford Bridge. The England international collided with Sanchez on the edge of the box as he attempted to run in a through ball, causing both to fall and require treatment.
Gibbs-White was substituted at half-time and had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, but he had already set up an assist for Taiwo Awoniyi to give the visitors a 3-0 lead at Stamford Bridge. However, he had to be replaced by Chris Wood just after the hour mark.
Sanchez and Gibbs-White were carried off without the need for stretchers, so they do not appear to have suffered similar injuries.
The Chelsea stopper had blood on his face and a large cut, but was the first to get back on his feet after a long stoppage.
After a few minutes, Gibbs-White was able to get up and leave the pitch with the help of Forest medical staff.
Chelsea were trailing 0-3 at the time of the two injuries and were exploring the possibility of a season without Champions League football. If they lose, they will be in 9th place in the Premier League, 10 points behind Aston Villa in 5th place.
However, if Aston Villa wins the Europa League and finishes in the top five, the English club could move into the top six in the Champions League, and Chelsea could also reach that mark if they finish the season in sixth place.
If Sanchez sustains a concussion, it would fall under the league’s concussion protocols, meaning Chelsea could be without him.
This includes players being monitored for 24 hours and beginning a six-step ‘return to play’ process. This begins with an initial 48-hour rest period, minimizing physical and “cognitive” activities such as work and screen use.
Forest could face a similar situation with talisman Gibbs-White as they aim for Europa League glory and avoid relegation.
An away win against Chelsea would widen the gap between Forest and 17th-placed West Ham to six points with three games remaining.
