Chelsea starlet Jesse Derry has been hospitalised for precautionary checks after he was stretchered off with a head injury in the first-half of his full senior debut.
The 18-year-old was a surprise starter as Vitor Pereira’s side visited Stamford Bridge, but he got the nod after knocks to Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto.
He impressed throughout the opening exchanges, but with the match approaching half-time, he came off worse from an aerial duel with Zach Abbott and landed awkwardly, appearing to suffer a head injury.
He received treatment on the pitch for some time before being stretchered off and replaced by Liam Delap. The youngster could be seen wearing an oxygen mask as he left the field of play.
Chelsea have since confirmed he is conscious and undergoing precautionary checks at hospital.
A club statement read: “Jesse Derry has been taken to hospital as a precaution following his first-half substitution during today’s [Premier League] game against Nottingham Forest.
“Jesse is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for their swift response.”
Chelsea were already trailing 2-0 when Derry was withdrawn after a horror start. They were awarded a penalty for the incident, but Cole Palmer saw his spot-kick saved by Matz Sels. They went on to lose 3-1, with Joao Pedro’s late consolation ending the Blues’ run of five goalless league defeats.
Derry had previously made two first-team appearances for Chelsea, enjoying FA Cup cameos against Hull City and Wrexham. He has six goals and three assists in 18 PL2 appearances this season, too.
The son of former Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Shaun Derry, Jesse came through Crystal Palace’s academy before moving to Cobham last summer.
A regular at various levels of England’s youth ranks, Derry is widely considered to be among the brightest young talents in the country.
Calum McFarlane will issue an update on his condition at full-time.
