Morgan Gibbs-White has revealed the full extent of his brutal head injury sustained during Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win at Chelsea on Bank Holiday Monday. The midfielder lasted just 20 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute at Stamford Bridge due to the incident.
Collision with Robert Sanchez
Gibbs-White suffered a bloody head after colliding with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez while challenging for an aerial ball. The Nottingham Forest star was through on goal in the 61st minute when Sanchez collided with him after beating him to the bouncing ball. Both players immediately crumpled to the floor and required urgent medical treatment, their heads split open.
After five minutes of medical care, both players left the field with their heads bandaged. Chris Wood replaced Gibbs-White, while Filip Jorgensen came on for Sanchez.
Gibbs-White's Instagram Update
After the match, Gibbs-White took to Instagram to show off his wound, which detailed a lengthy number of stitches from his nose to above his left eyebrow. His nose was also swollen, with a steroplast up his right nostril. Captioning the picture with a thumbs up, the England international wrote: 'Thanks for the messages. What a win, congrats T [Taiwo Awoniyi].'
Sanchez's Response
Shortly after Gibbs-White's Instagram story, Sanchez shared his own injury on the platform. The Spain international had stitches applied to the top of his forehead and posted a picture alongside the caption: 'Seen that you came out worst [sic] than me, hope you are OK big man @morgangibbswhite.'
Previous Head Clash in the Match
The incident was the second clash of heads during the match. Chelsea youngster Jesse Derry had to go to hospital after colliding with Forest's Zach Abbott just before half-time.
Fitness for Europa League Semi-Final
Forest will hope their talisman is fit for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg at rivals Aston Villa. The Reds lead 1-0 from the first leg. Speaking post-match on Monday, Forest boss Vitor Pereira said: 'I don't think the issue is concussion, he has a deep cut. But he is a fighter and I know he wants to play for sure. He's in pain at the moment but I believe we will hopefully have Morgan in the next game, but let's see.'
Forest's Premier League Status
Monday's victory over Chelsea moves Forest closer to maintaining their top-flight status next season. They sit 16th in the Premier League on 42 points, six clear of 18th-placed West Ham with three matches remaining.
