Chelsea winger Jesse Derry was given a penalty and had to be stretchered off after a nasty collision of heads with Nottingham Forest defender Zac Abbott
Jesse Derry suffered severe head injuries (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry had to be stretchered and taken to hospital after a nasty head collision. The 18-year-old made his first Premier League start on Monday after colliding with Nottingham Forest defender Zac Abbott just before the end of the first half.
In the 44th minute, after a Chelsea corner kick, two young players were jumping for the ball that bounced inside the penalty area when they collided. Players from both teams immediately expressed concern, and broadcasters did not show replays.
Referee Anthony Taylor immediately awarded the penalty and medical staff rushed to treat the injured player. Abbott quickly got up and was replaced by concussion substitute Neco Williams, but Derry was seen lying on the ground in an even worse condition.
After a long delay, the Chelsea winger was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher and replaced by Liam Delap. To make matters worse for Chelsea, Cole Palmer’s penalty was saved by Forest goalkeeper Mats Sells, keeping the scoreline at 2-0 for the away side.
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Chelsea released a statement shortly after, saying: ‘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.”
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s an unfortunate incident. There was no malicious intent. I think Derry just arrived before Zac Abbott and both players were on the ground.”
Sky Sports co-commentator and former Arsenal striker Alan Smith said: “It was 50-50 in the air. I was really surprised he pointed to the spot. It’s a terrible collision of heads. Both players look seriously injured.”
Derry, the son of former Premier League midfielder Sean Derry, was a shining presence on Chelsea’s left flank in the absence of Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto at Stamford Bridge. The England Under-19 international only made his Chelsea debut as a substitute in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull in February.
Jesse Derry and Zach Abbott clash (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
But injuries made Chelsea’s disastrous first half even worse, and they found themselves 2-0 down after Taiwo Awoniyi’s early header and Igor Jesus’ penalty after Maro Gusto tugged on his shirt in the box.
Forest made eight changes to their starting XI ahead of the Premier League fixture, with their sights set on the Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa later in the week. However, Chelsea, who entered this game on the back of a five-game losing streak, were second best in the opening stages.
The home team, who had not scored in five and a half league games, was booed at halftime. Things got even worse after the break when Awoniyi scored his second goal and Forrest his third.
Then a collision of heads between Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez caused another long delay, with both players also having to be sent off.
Joao Pedro scored late on to secure a comfortable victory, but it wasn’t enough as Chelsea suffered a sixth straight Premier League defeat.
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