London 2012: Chelsea’s Sturridge to learn Olympic fate this week
Stuart Pearce says he is likely to make a decision on Daniel Sturridge's London 2012 involvement later this week
Daniel Sturridge has joined up with Great Britain’s Olympic football team but his London 2012 involvement is still not confirmed.
Chelsea forward Sturridge, who is expected to be Stuart Pearce’s first-choice striker during the Games, was struck down with viral meningitis earlier this month but has since been given the all-clear by doctors.
He has already resumed light training at his club’s Cobham training base but Pearce wants to be sure of his fitness before next Wednesday, the final deadline to make changes to his 18-man squad.
He was not involved in a warm weather training camp in Spain, missed the behind closed doors friendly defeat by Mexico but spent Monday night at the Olympic village.
“There were doubts but he’s joined up today and our fitness people are looking at him,” said Pearce, as his Team GB squad checked in for one night at the Olympic village before returning to a northern training base ahead of this Friday’s friendly with Brazil and next week’s tournament opener against Senegal in Manchester.
“The Chelsea medical people are happy with where he is but this week will be important for him. I’ve got to be 100 per cent sure in my own mind that Daniel is ready to go and fit enough to see out a tournament.
“We’ve got until the 25th but I think a decision will be made this week, to give an new individual the best chance to bed in if required.”
© Sportsbeat 2012
