Callum MacFarlane has given an update on Jesse Derry and Robert Sanchez after Chelsea’s defeat to Nottingham Forest. Both players suffered injuries during the Blues’ 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday night and were substituted on either side of half-time. Just before the interval, Derry collided heads with Zac Abbott, awarding his team a penalty in the process.
The 18-year-old winger was stretchered off the pitch after a long break in play, making his first start for Chelsea a disappointing one. Midway through the second half, Sanchez collided with Morgan Gibbs-White. He and the Forest midfielder were both taken away, each leaving the field with a bandage. MacFarlane told reporters: “We’ve heard positive signs from Jesse and Rob and we hope the Forest players are OK as well. He’s performed well on the pitch but now we have to focus on more important things.”
Ahead of the pre-match press conference, Chelsea released a statement regarding their debut player. In an official statement shared on its social media channels, the club said: ‘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 are grateful for the quick response of the medical staff.”
Monday’s loss to Forest at Stamford Bridge was the Blues’ sixth successive defeat in the Premier League. MacFarlane told Sky Sports: “It was a really disappointing result and performance. I agree that the first 15 minutes were not good enough.”
“We conceded two goals, which you can’t do against a team like Nottingham Forest. They’re a very good side but they’re fighting for their lives. I think that set the tone.”
Jamie Carragher also labeled Chelsea “broken” on Sky Sports. The former Liverpool defender said: “It’s a shock. It came from the top. There were five or six really top-class players on the pitch today and they lost to Nottingham Forest’s B team.”
“Less than 12 months ago they were taking PSG to the cleaners. There is no connection between players and staff, players and fans.
“In a way it’s a good thing because it shows you that football isn’t all about spending money, signing players and buying this revolving door. It’s about creating unity and there’s nothing there. They look like a broken football club at the moment.”
Carragher went on to say of Forest: “Vitor Pereira has done a fantastic job. He did a similar job when he first joined Wolves. At first it was probably about European football and balancing that with staying in the Premier League, but now it’s taking them to the pinnacle of something really special.”
