Boss Di Matteo confirms Sturridge is suffering with viral meningitis

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed that forward Daniel Sturridge is suffering from viral meningitis.

Sturridge is being treated at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, where his condition is being closely monitored.

“It’s a question now of monitoring his health. That’s what most matters to everybody,” said Di Matteo.

“We have a doctor with him and are updated on an almost hourly basis.”

Viral meningitis, although debilitating, is less serious than the bacterial strain of the disease, which is potentially life-threatening.

A number of current and former footballers have suffered from viral meningitis, including Lee Sharpe and Ian Rush.

Australian midfielder George Kulscar had the illness while at QPR in 1999.