Chelsea forward Jesse Derry described his Premier League debut as a 'dream come true' after suffering a head injury in the loss to Nottingham Forest. The 18-year-old was stretchered off at Stamford Bridge but has been discharged from hospital. Chelsea confirmed he is conscious and under monitoring.
Jesse Derry made his first Premier League start for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge against Nottingham Forest. Just before half-time, the 18-year-old clashed heads with Forest's Zach Abbott, requiring oxygen on the pitch and a lengthy stoppage. He was stretchered off as a concussion substitute and replaced by Liam Delap, allowed under Premier League rules for head injuries separate from standard substitutions. Chelsea lost the match 1-3, extending their losing streak to six games. Chelsea confirmed Derry was conscious and talking during precautionary checks at St Mary’s Hospital. The club later stated he has been discharged but will continue to be monitored. In a social media post, Derry wrote: “A dream come true to start at Stamford Bridge for my Premier League debut. I’d like to thank all the Chelsea medical staff, everyone at St Mary’s Hospital, my teammates, and all the fans for their great support. I can’t wait to be back playing in front of everyone very soon.” Derry, son of former Leeds and Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry, had two prior FA Cup substitute appearances. Later in the game, Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White collided with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez but both walked off unaided. Forest confirmed Gibbs-White was not substituted for concussion.
