The Chelsea forward was named by Stuart Pearce on Monday (July 2) as part of the 18 man squad for the Games.

His involvement is crucial for Pearce's team, as fellow senior forwards Scott Sinclair and Craig Bellamy are more suited to playing out wide than in the centre of the pitch.

If he fails to recover it could mean a call up for Scottish forward Jordan Rhodes.

But the Huddersfield star looks set for disappointment after Sturridge (pictured above) said:  "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.

"Thankfully, I am starting to feel a lot better and I am optimistic about being able to make the Olympics.

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

The football squad will meet in Loughborough next weekend ahead of friendly matches with Mexico and Brazil before the Olympics get underway.


Roberto Di Matteo (pictured above) sounded further optimism with the Chelsea manager saying: "Sturridge feels better now.

"We are 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)."

Sturridge, if fit, will make history as part of the first British team to play together since a failed qualifying bid for Munich 1972, and the first to compete at the Olympics since the Games in Rome 12 years prior to that.

If he does not make it Pearce must name a replacement from his previous 35 man shortlist by July 25, the day before his team play their opening game of London 2012 in Manchester against Senegal.

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