Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry has posted his first update after a sickening head injury on his Premier League debut for the Blues.
The 18-year-old started in the clash with Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
The teenager had turned out twice in the FA Cup for Chelsea, but was thrown into the starting XI for his first taste of Premier League football.
It was a bad outing for Chelsea, who were beaten 3-1 by Forest, but Derry was one of the bright spots in their poor performance.
However, his top flight debut ended before half-time after a nasty clash of heads with Zach Abbot as they both 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.
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‘A dream come true to start at Stamford Bridge for my Premier League debut,’ Derry wrote on X.
‘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.’
The club posted a statement on the youngster’s status, writing: ‘Jesse is conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks. We wish him a speedy recovery and thank the medical staff for their swift response.’
Chelsea’s interim manager Calum McFarlane told the BBC: ‘All signs 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.’
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 in the Premier League table and in real danger of missing out on European football next season.
‘Massively disappointing – we know we are a lot better than what we showed today,’ said McFarlane. ‘I don’t think we ever got to our level so very disappointing.’