Jesse Derry has allayed the fears of Chelsea fans by posting a statement on Instagram after suffering a nasty head collision and concussion during his first-ever Premier League start.
The 18-year-old, who is the son of former Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Shaun Derry, was handed his first full start for Chelsea on Monday. Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto were missing.
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With Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Mykhailo Mudryk absent, it meant Chelsea were without five wingers and Calum McFarlane decided to throw Derry in at the deep end. He started immensely well on the left flank.
But just before half-time, a collision during a Chelsea corner saw Derry lose consciousness in the air. The teen landed badly, to the shock of the crowd. He was rushed to hospital alongside his family immediately.
Jesse Derry posts a statement on Instagram after head injury
While there has been no confirmation that Derry has sustained a long-term injury, he has certainly suffered a concussion. He will be sidelined for the next game against Liverpool as he serves protocol.
It is a shame, because Derry – who made his first-team debut for Chelsea under Liam Rosenior in the FA Cup – was excellent in the first half. Arguably, he was Chelsea’s most effective player against Forest.
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Yet, Derry was subbed off and Cole Palmer missed the ensuing penalty. On Instagram, Derry underlined his delight at making his Premier League debut for Chelsea and fans will be relieved with his update.
He said on Instagram: “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.”
Chelsea players and Rio Ferdinand send messages to Jesse Derry
Derry is probably the most exciting of Chelsea’s next batch of youngsters. The most likely to follow Josh Acheampong and Reece James into the first-team set-up, if Chelsea’s new signings don’t block his path.
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Rio Ferdinand has been watching Derry from afar, publicly declaring his hope for the youngster in the past. He was among those to comment on his Instagram post today, telling him to “rest his head”.
Little surprise Ferdinand is among those commenting on Derry’s Instagram, with Derry represented by Ferdinand’s New Era agency. Chelsea players Acheampong, Jorrel Hato and Marc Cucurella also replied.
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