Chelsea academy talent Jesse Derry has been taken to hospital for precautionary tests following a sickening clash of heads with Nottingham Forest’s Zac Abbott. The teenager, who was making his Premier League debut, had an ugly collision just before half-time and required oxygen. Derry were stretchered off at Stamford Bridge after the match was suspended for more than 10 minutes.
Sky Sports confirmed early in the second half that Derry, who did not get up during the stoppage in play, was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for further treatment. Chelsea said in a post-match statement: “Jesse Derry was taken to hospital as a precaution after being substituted in the first half of today’s #PL match against Nottingham Forest. Jesse is conscious, talking and undergoing preventive tests. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for their quick response.”
Interim manager Callum MacFarlane added: “We’ve heard positive signs from Jesse Derry and Rob Sanchez. We’re happy with Jesse’s performance, but there are probably more important things at the moment.”
Immediately after the Sky Sports update, Forest extended their lead to 3-0 with Taiwo Awoniyi’s second goal of the game. However, with an hour remaining, there was another worrying clash of heads between goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Sanchez stood up and was treated for a cut on his head, but was so bloody that he was replaced by Filip Jorgensen. Gibbs-White also got up, his head heavily bandaged, and then left to be replaced by Chris Wood, although he only entered the pitch at half-time.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Derry was making his first Premier League start for the Blues. He and Abbott clashed violently and both were replaced by Liam Delap and Neco Williams respectively.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded Chelsea a penalty after Abbott failed to take the ball in the air, only to collide with the side of Derry’s head. However, Cole Palmer had his penalty saved by Mats Sells.
Awonih and Igor Jesus scored from the penalty spot to give Forest a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes. Awoniyi scored twice in the 52nd minute as Forest picked up a big three points and significantly increased their chances of avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea appeared to have scored their first league goal since March 4, when Joao Pedro headed in from a rebound in the 72nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. But Joao Pedro scored with a superb overhead kick in the 93rd minute, ending London’s nine-and-a-half-hour goal drought.
The Blues still lost 3-1 and the Brazilian, who scored the goal, admitted after the match: “It’s always difficult to change the game against Nottingham Forest because we conceded so quickly. We have to find a way not to make these mistakes every game and start winning games.”
“Everyone needs to look at themselves, myself included. We need to find a way to be better. I feel sorry for the fans and I think we need to see where we can improve tomorrow.”
