Chelsea teenager Jesse Derry has posted his first update after a sickening head injury on his Premier League debut for the Blues.
The 18-year-old began within the clash with Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
The teenager had turned out twice within the FA Cup for Chelsea, but was thrown into the starting XI for his first taste of Premier League football.
It was a nasty outing for Chelsea, who were beaten 3-1 by Forest, but Derry was one in all the intense spots of their poor performance.
Nevertheless, his top flight debut ended before half-time after a nasty clash of heads with Zach Abbot as they each challenged for a bouncing ball.
Derry got there first, so won a penalty when he was clattered by Abbott, but was felled and received lengthy treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off.
There was great concern for the teenager, but he appears to be positive and is looking forward to a swift return to the pitch.
‘A dream come true to start out at Stamford Bridge for my Premier League debut,’ Derry wrote on X.
‘I’d wish to thank all of the Chelsea medical staff, everyone at St Mary’s Hospital, my teammates, and all of the fans for his or her great support.
‘I can’t wait to be back playing in front of everyone very soon.’
The club posted a press release on the teenager’s status, writing: ‘Jesse is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for his or her swift response.’
Chelsea’s interim manager Calum McFarlane told the BBC: ‘All signs positive in the mean time so we’re hopeful he’s in a very good condition and from what we’ve heard it’s positive.
‘Gutted for Jesse, I assumed he did well in the sport. He gave us a threat – an enormous moment for him that has ended sadly.’
19-year-old Abbott was making just his second league appearance for Nottingham Forest, and replied to Derry’s update by writing: ‘Best wishes, mate.’
The defeat for Chelsea leaves them ninth within the Premier League table and in real danger of missing out on European football next season.
‘Massively disappointing – we all know we’re quite a bit higher than what we showed today,’ said McFarlane. ‘I don’t think we ever got to our level so very disappointing.’
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