Roberto Di Matteo has insisted that Daniel Sturridge has a future at Chelsea despite their summer transfer activities.
The arrivals of attacking midfield trio Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar had led to speculation linking Sturridge with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with former manager Andre Villas-Boas apparently keen to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Di Matteo has revealed that the England international is part of his plans and hinted that he may play in his preferred central striker role this season.
"He is part of the squad, of the team, and still has a lot to give. He still has a lot to learn as well but we are hopeful he can develop even more and become a great player for us," Di Matteo told the club's official website.
"He did very well to recover from his illness in a short period of time. He is a very exciting player and it's great for him to be involved in the England squad.
"He has the ability to play in more than one position. He made it quite public he likes to play as a number nine but there is competition, which is good, and we will see as the season starts who is going to play."
Sturridge was part of the Team GB Olympic football squad, scoring two goals as Stuart Pearce's side reached the quarter-finals.
