English roundup-Rooney could be on bench after injury

Striker Wayne Rooney, who missed Manchester United's Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona on Tuesday is unlikely to return from a hip injury in time for Saturday's match against West Ham United at Old Trafford.

Manager Alex Ferguson told a news conference on Friday: "Wayne may be on the bench. But we've got a major final to think about and we're not going to rush him."

Defender Nemanja Vidic, who missed the Barca match due to a facial injury and concussion, will not be fit in time. A win for United on Saturday and another at Wigan Athletic next week would secure the title for a second successive season. * Chelsea, level on points with United at the top and who face Newcastle United on Monday, have only one injury worry -- a hamstring problem that is likely to keep reserve keeper Carlo Cudicini out of the squad. Hilario will continue to deputise. * Reading, battling against relegation, will be without midfielder Emerse Fae and defender Ibrahima Sonko for the match against Tottenham Hotspur after manager Steve Coppell suspended the pair. Media reports said they had refused to play in a reserve game against Spurs on Monday. * Fulham and Birmingham City, who meet in a key relegation clash at Craven Cottage, have no injury worries. Birmingham co-owner David Gold has also assured manager Alex McLeish his job is safe even if Birmingham are relegated. "We have only sacked two managers in 15 years and are not about to change the way we do things now," he told talkSPORT radio on Friday. * Bolton Wanderers, also battling against the drop, welcome Kevin Davies back from suspension for the home match against Sunderland. Davies will play wearing a small cast after breaking a hand against West Ham on his last appearance three weeks ago. Bolton have doubts over Joey O'Brien (hamstring) and Ivan Campo (calf) for the visit of Sunderland, who are safe.