Image Credits: Imago Images
Chelsea suffered their sixth consecutive league defeat after a second-string Nottingham Forest side secured a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Forest boss Vítor Pereira made eight changes with Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa in mind, but goals from Taiwo Awoniyi (two) and Igor Jesus sealed victory for the visitors, who moved six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham in the relegation zone.
Chelsea scored a late consolation through striker João Pedro, narrowly avoiding an unwanted club record of six straight league games without a goal.
Their difficult afternoon was compounded when Cole Palmer missed a first-half penalty, while academy winger Jesse Derry sustained a serious-looking head injury.
Derry was taken to the hospital as a precaution. The 18-year-old was making his Premier League debut when he clashed heads with Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott in the 45th minute inside the penalty area.
He received oxygen on the pitch before being stretchered off following a lengthy stoppage. Chelsea later confirmed in a statement that Derry was “conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks.”
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.”
After the match, Chelsea caretaker boss Callum McFarlane told BBC Match of the Day: “All signs are positive at the moment so we’re hopeful he’s in a good condition and from what we’ve heard it’s positive.
“Gutted for Jesse, I thought he did well in the game. He gave us a threat – a massive moment for him that has ended sadly.”
Derry, the son of former Leeds and Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry, was making his first start for the club after two previous appearances off the bench in this season’s FA Cup.
The England Under-19 international has scored 12 goals in 29 academy matches since joining from Crystal Palace last summer.
His collision led to a penalty being awarded to Chelsea, but Cole Palmer’s spot-kick was saved by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Derry was replaced by Liam Delap, who came on as a concussion substitute.
Liverpool host Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League, looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat to the Blues in the reverse fixture earlier this season.