Jesse Derry’s Chelsea starting debut took a turn for the worst as the highly touted player sustained a blow to the head while going up for the ball inside the box against Nottingham Forest. The play occurred towards the end of the first half as the referee immediately called for medical attention after Derry appeared to be knocked out.
Derry sustained a blow to the head during an incidental collision with Nottingham Forest’s Zach Abbott. Minutes later, Derry was carried off the field via stretcher.
NBC Sports reported that Derry is undergoing preliminary tests but the early signs are positive.
Here’s a look at the play that has Chelsea fans concerned.
Jesse Derry Injury Updates: What Happened to Chelsea Player?
GettyChelsea’s Enzo Fernandez looks on as Chelsea’s Jesse Derry is checked after being injured.
The game marked Derry’s first Premier League start. Derry is the son of former Premier League player Shaun Derry. The young Chelsea prospect was given oxygen on the field before rushed to the hospital via ambulance, per The Sun.
“Derry was treated on the pitch with oxygen, before eventually being stretchered off to a round of applause from the fans,” The Sun’s Mitchell Hall detailed in a May 4, 2026, story titled, “Chelsea debutant Jesse Derry, 18, given oxygen on pitch after sickening head clash as Sky Sports refuse to show incident.”
“Sky only showed a first replay of the incident when Derry’s treatment on the pitch was done and he had been removed from the field of play. He was then rushed to hospital in an ambulance.”
Derry’s famed father was in the stands during the unfortunate incident. The former EPL player has been a frequent attender of Derry’s matches.
“What a night it was to support you on your journey. 💙,” Derry’s father, Shaun, noted in a February 14, Instagram post.
Jesse Derry’s Dad, Shaun Derry, Played in Over 600 Soccer Games, Including in the Premier League
It is unfortunate timing as Derry appears to be a favorite of Chelsea’s new interim manager Calum McFarlane. The injury puts Derry’s status for the remainder of the season in doubt.
“Derry is the son of Shaun Derry, who made over 600 appearances in English football including Premier League spells at Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers,” The Athletic’s Simon Johnson detailed in a May 4, article titled, “Chelsea’s Jesse Derry forced off on Premier League debut after clash of heads.”
“Calum McFarlane, who replaced Rosenior as head coach until the end of the season, worked with the winger at Under-21 level and handed him a chance from the start against Forest in place of Alejandro Garnacho, who was not part of the matchday squad.”
Chelsea’s Losing Ways Continued Despite Change to Manager Calum McFarlane
While the obvious concern is Derry’s health, Chelsea’s poor form continued despite the manager change. Chelsea dropped to an early 3-0 deficit to Nottingham Forest as the club looked for their first Premier League win in two months. Nottingham Forest was able to cruise to a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
In the first half, Zach Abbott and Jesse Derry – on his full Premier League debut for Chelsea – required treatment on the
While The Blues have won tournament matches, Chelsea’s last Premier League victory came on March 4 with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
Chelsea has just three EPL matches remaining before the season ends. The club’s FA Cup final match against Man City on Saturday, May 14, looms as Chelsea’s lone remaining bright spot during a forgettable season.
Jesse Derry Injury News & Updates Amid Touted Chelsea Player’s Dangerous Blow to Head