ไทย
English
中國人
Chelsea are dealing with a significant attacking injury crisis heading into Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
Jamie Gittens has spent considerable time in the treatment room, and when Monday's starting lineup was announced, it emerged that both Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto had also joined their fellow winger on the injury list for the match.
With Estêvão recently sidelined and Mykhailo Mudryk still serving a suspension, Chelsea's entire pool of senior wingers is unavailable, forcing 18-year-old Jesse Derry into his first senior start for the club.
Here's the latest update on Neto and Garnacho.
Why Are Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho Not Playing for Chelsea?
Interim manager Calum McFarlane gave no indication of any issues with the duo during his pre-match press conference, making their complete absence from the matchday squad a genuine surprise.
According to Nizaar Kinsella, both Neto and Garnacho are dealing with minor knocks. While neither is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, they were not considered fit enough to feature in Monday's important fixture.
McFarlane has consequently been forced to think outside the box. Cole Palmer has been deployed on the right wing—a move that isn't entirely unexpected—but it is the selection of teenage talent Derry that has generated real excitement among Chelsea supporters.
Derry Deserving of Senior Chance
Many fans have been calling for Derry to receive more playing time in recent weeks, especially given that his senior counterparts have struggled to make a lasting impression.
Gittens's injury problems have prevented him from winning over the home faithful, while Garnacho's admirable work ethic has been offset by a lack of end product, fuelling speculation that he could depart the club in the summer.
Like Garnacho, Derry also arrived at Chelsea last summer, signing a deal after leaving the Crystal Palace academy. The 18-year-old has shone at Under-21 level, scoring six goals in 17 PL2 appearances and contributing five goals in eight UEFA Youth League matches.
His sharp dribbling ability has stood out in particular. The youngster's combination of pace and electrifying footwork has proven too much for defenders at academy level, and Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see if Derry's talents translate to first-team football.
The pressure is immense, with Chelsea needing to climb to sixth place just to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive, placing enormous responsibility on Derry's young shoulders at this pivotal point in the season.