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There was surprise when the Chelsea teamsheet confirmed Jesse Derry would be starting his first Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, although Thierry Henry is already excited by the 18-year-old.
Chelsea have been struggling for wingers of late after Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens both suffered season-ending injuries during Liam Rosenior’s time in charge.
Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto both picked up knocks in training, with Calum McFarlane confirming both are not dealing with serious issues.
CONFIRMED Chelsea XI vs Nottingham Forest
Jesse Derry starts!
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images Thierry Henry excited by Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry
Derry was taken off on a stretcher in the first half after a clash of heads, with the youngster winning a penalty in the process to try and get his side back in the game.
This is not the first time Derry has featured for the first team squad. Twice he came off the bench in their run to the FA Cup final.
Excitement met his first start for the club though, and Premier League legend Thierry Henry shared how excited he was to watch him in action.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
He said to Sky Sports: “By the look of him, he’s a tricky player, good on the ball. Hopefully he can score goals, create goals, then he can become the full package.
“Let’s see what he can do. It’s gonna be a good battle with Abbott.”
Chelsea fans, it’s time to have a discussion about Marc Cucurella…
Not good enough for Nottingham Forest’s opener!
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Forest’s heavy rotation saw Zach Abbott handed his second Premier League start at right-back. He is an England U19 teammate of Derry.
It was the two who clashed heads for the awarding of Chelsea’s penalty, with Derry coming off far worse of the two.
Qualifying for the Champions League is now out of Chelsea’s hands, although the players will no doubt be keen to impress as the club seek a new permanent manager.
McFarlane has been tasked with restoring the mood in West London, although is not expected to feature on a list of candidates for the permanent job.
The centre-backs did not get off to the best start though. Both Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo failed to pick up Taiwo Awoniyi for the opening goal within two minutes.
Their misery was added to not long after, when Malo Gusto gave away a penalty, converted by Igor Jesus.
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