Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed Daniel Sturridge is suffering from viral meningitis but is hopeful he will be fit to take his part in Team GB's Olympic squad.
The 22-year-old forward fell ill over the weekend with what is typically considered a mild strain of the disease.His club manager Di Matteo confirmed on Wednesday that Sturridge was still in hospital but suggested he could still play a part in the London Games providing his recovery goes well."Daniel has viral meningitis, but I spoke to him and he feels better now," said Di Matteo."We're going to follow his situation and hopefully he will get well as soon as possible and be able to join the Olympics squad.
"He is currently still in hospital but I am optimistic he will recover (in time to play)."I think it's a question of daily monitoring his health. That's what matters most to him, his family and ourselves."We have had a doctor with him since day one and we are being updated on hourly basis. We'll see and make a decision with the doctors if he can join."Stuart Pearce has until July 25 to select a replacement for his 18-man GB squad should Sturridge be forced to withdraw.
The loss of Sturridge would represent a major blow to the squad, especially as he was expected to start as the main central striker.Wales forward Craig Bellamy, Swansea’s Scott Sinclair and Bolton’s Marvin Sordell are the other attacking options.Scotland and Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes is understood to be among the names on the standby list alongside Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
Should Rhodes be selected he would become the only Scottish player in the squad, despite the Scottish FA's hopes that their players would reject call-ups to protect the nation’s identity.
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