Sturridge thanks Chelsea medics for helping him realise his Olympic dream

25^th July 2012

Dan Cain

Dan Cain

25 July 2012

Three weeks ago, Daniel Sturridge’s hopes of being part of the first Team GB men’s football side since 1960 hit a huge stumbling block, after the 22-year-old was diagnosed with meningitis.  With the shocking discovery came the realisation that he may have to be omitted from Stuart Pearce’s side.

The fact that Sturridge was able to complete 45 minutes in the friendly against Brazil last Friday unscathed is testament to both his determination and the excellent medical treatment he received from the Chelsea doctor – a fact he acknowledges now his Olympic dream is only days away from being realised.  The Chelsea man said: “I was fortunate enough to have a doctor who saw the warning signs straight away and got me off to a hospital bed immediately.”

This is the latest in a series of medical incidents in which Premier League club doctors have had to use their expertise to aid players suffering from serious illnesses. Fabrice Muamba’s miracle recovery from a cardiac arrest and Stilian Petrov’s early diagnosis of leukaemia show just what a crucial role a club’s medical staff play in ensuring the health and fitness of their stars.

Daniel Sturridge will likely lead the attack when Team GB face Senegal in their opening game at Old Trafford on Thursday, and he will surely just be relishing the fact that he is able to be on the field in the GB colours.

Dan Cain, Olympics correspondent