The young star had to be carried off the field. © ANSA / ANDY RAIN

Horrible scene: Concerns for Chelsea's young star

Club World Cup champions Chelsea are worried about their young player Jesse Derry. The 18-year-old, making his professional debut, suffered a head injury in a nasty collision during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

04 May 2026

From: dpa/det

Derry went down after a collision with Forest defender Zach Abbott in the visitors' penalty area shortly before the end of the first half. He then received medical treatment on the pitch for about ten minutes and was also given oxygen.

The 18-year-old was stretchered off the pitch to applause from both sets of fans and taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for further medical examinations. "Jesse is conscious, speaking, and undergoing precautionary checks. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for their quick response," Chelsea FC announced. Abbott, who was able to leave the pitch on his own, also had to be substituted.

Jesse Derry (left), Chelsea's young star. © APA/afp / ADRIAN DENNIS

Another scare came after about an hour. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and opposing player Morgan Gibbs-White collided heads. Both required lengthy treatment for bleeding wounds and were substituted with head bandages.

Chelsea loses again and is plummeting down the table.

Chelsea put in a lackluster performance in front of England's German national team coach, Thomas Tuchel. Calum McFarlane's team suffered their sixth consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 3-1 (2-0). This result dropped the Blues to ninth place in the table, three points adrift of a European qualification spot. Adding insult to injury, Cole Palmer missed a penalty (45+10) after Derry's injury, and Joao Pedro's goal (73) was ruled out for offside by VAR. The Brazilian's spectacular bicycle kick (90+3) came too late to salvage the win.

Nottingham, on the other hand, celebrated a successful dress rehearsal for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa on Thursday, thanks to a brace from former Union player Taiwo Awoniyi (2nd/52nd minute) and a penalty from Igor Jesus (15th minute).