Alejandro Garnacho replaced by teenager in Chelsea squad as boss speaks out

Alejandro Garnacho will miss Chelsea’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, with academy graduate Jesse Derry replacing him

Alejandro Garnacho is absent from Chelsea’s matchday squad to face Nottingham Forest, with 18‑year‑old academy graduate Jesse Derry replacing him. The 21‑year‑old, who featured in recent games as well as in last weekend’s FA Cup semi‑final, is nursing a knock.

Speaking ahead of the match, interim head coach Calum McFarlane said of his absence: “Nothing serious, just both [Garnacho and Pedro Neto] have taken knocks in training. So we’re just managing it.”

Derry, meanwhile, will make his full senior debut on the left‑hand side, earning his third appearance for the club since arriving from Crystal Palace last summer. Derry, the son of Shaun Derry, made his first‑team debut in the FA Cup fourth‑round tie against Hull City in February and has also featured on Chelsea’s bench.

“It’s a great opportunity for Jesse, he’s trained with us a lot,” McFarlane added. “He’s been in squads and played in other games.

“We trust him and we know his talent. I’ve worked with him previously. The boys trust him and he’s trained really well. Really excited for Jesse.”

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Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United in a £40million deal in August 2025 but has endured an underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge. He has drifted in and out of the starting XI since former boss Liam Rosenior’s arrival in January, and this latest setback underlines his struggle for consistency.

Heading into the summer, Garnacho faces an uncertain future in west London after struggling to impress, despite his contract running until 2032. The Argentine has made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

At Old Trafford, the winger was viewed as a disruptive presence in the dressing room. He publicly criticised Ruben Amorim after being dropped by his former manager towards the end of that spell, before joining Chelsea last summer in a £40million move.

There will be more to follow. We’ll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.

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