• London Olympics 2012

Sturridge 'optimistic' for London 2012

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo confirmed on Wednesday that Daniel Sturridge is suffering from meningitis, but the player believes he will recover in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Sturridge was recently named in Stuart Pearce's Team GB squad for the forthcoming Olympic Games, but fears arose when it was reported that he was suffering from a viral strain of meningitis.

Di Matteo did not confirm if the young forward will be available for the summer Games, but did offer a positive verdict on the player's future.

"Daniel has viral meningitis. I spoke to him and he feels better now. Hopefully he gets well ASAP," Di Matteo said at a press conference. "He felt unwell over the weekend and was taken to hospital afterwards."

Sturridge has since commented on his chances of featuring at London 2012, saying: "I am starting to feel a lot better and I am optimistic about being able to make the Olympics.

"The Chelsea medical team have been closely monitoring everything and they and the doctors and nurses at St Mary's Hospital have been outstanding throughout."

Pearce would be able to call in any of the 35 players named at the previous squad submission point as a replacement for Sturridge. Two names on the immediate standby squad, and most likely to be selected, are Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Huddersfield Town's prolific striker Jordan Rhodes.

Di Matteo also confirmed he expects Frank Lampard to be fit for the new season after he missed Euro 2012 through injury. "I'm expecting Frank Lampard to return healthy and fit. He is feeling good and looking forward to next season," the Chelsea boss said.

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