Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge still hopes to play for Team GB at London 2012

Daniel Sturridge is hopeful he will still be able to feature for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics after the Chelsea striker was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

Sturridge, 22, is currently undergoing treatment at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, where his condition is improving after he was taken ill at the weekend.

“Thankfully, I am starting to feel a lot better and I am optimistic about being able to make the Olympics,” said Sturridge.

“I am fortunate to have received many wishes of support and I want to thank everybody who has sent messages, it is much appreciated.”

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is also upbeat about Sturridge’s chances of playing at the Games after the forward was named in Stuart Pearce’s final 18-man squad on Monday.

“He has viral meningitis,” Di Matteo said. “I spoke to him and he feels better, we are going to progress his situation and hopefully he gets well as soon as possible and he will be able to join Olympic team.

“It’s a question of daily monitoring his health, that’s what matters most to everybody, his family and ourselves.

“He is receiving all of the support available to us, we’ve had a doctor with him from day one and we are receiving updates almost on an hourly basis with regards to his situation. He started feeling unwell over the weekend and was taken into hospital.”