Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge suffering from meningitis

Striker taken ill over weekend as doubts raised whether he will be able to recover in time to face UAE football team at London 2012 Olympics.

Chelsea and Team GB striker Daniel Sturridge

LONDON // Chelsea footballer Daniel Sturridge - named in the British Olympic team to face the UAE this week - has been diagnosed with meningitis.

The 22-year-old was taken ill at the weekend, before being admitted to hospital for tests.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo confirmed this afternoon that the player had been diagnosed with viral meningitis - a strain of the disease which can be overcome without the need for medical treatment.

"I spoke to him and he feels better now," siad Di Matteo.  "Hopefully he gets well ASAP."

Di Matteo said he was confident Sturridge would still be able to take part in the Olympics, but with the team due to meet next week a question mark over his potential involvement would still seem likely.

Coach Stuart Pearce can select a replacement up until July 25, should the Chelsea star be forced to pull out of the Games, with Scotland and Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes expected to be in the frame as his replacement.

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