Brief news ahead of this weekend's Premier League soccer programme:
* Tomorrow, Manchester United head to a Birmingham City side unbeaten in 12 matches still without injured defenders Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea and Nemanja Vidic.
Vidic is out for up to 10 days with a nerve problem in his right leg, while goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is on compassionate leave because of his wife's illness.
"We sent (Vidic) to a specialist to get the problem diagnosed and we know what exercises he needs to do now. It's not a long-term issue and we can control it," manager Alex Ferguson told the club website (www.manutd.com).
City, who have not lost at St Andrews since September, will be without experienced midfielder Lee Carsley (ankle injury) and defender Stuart Parnaby (back).
* Arsenal hope to have Tomas Rosicky back for tomorrow's match at home to Everton after the Czech Republic midfielder returned to fitness following a groin injury.
Captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and defender Gael Clichy (back) all remain sidelined.
Everton manager David Moyes could give loan signing Landon Donovan his debut after the US international forward joined from Los Angeles Galaxy for 10 weeks.
* Second-from-bottom Hull City are boosted by the return to fitness of defender Paul McShane for tomorrow's match at home to league leaders Chelsea.
Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge could be given a rare start in the absence of African Nations Cup-bound Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, alongside fit-again Nicolas Anelka.
* Tottenham Hotspur's Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong is relishing his battle with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres when the two sides meet at Anfield on Sunday.
"Fernando is a special striker but everyone knows how he's playing from watching him on television, so I know what to expect," he told the club website (www.spurs.co.uk).
Spurs in-form winger Aaron Lennon is struggling to return from a groin injury in time.
* Aston Villa's in-form winger James Milner looks set to return from a foot injury in time for tomorrow's clash at Wigan Athletic.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is waiting on the fitness of midfielder Mohamed Diame.
* Steve Davis takes temporary charge of Burnley in the absence of manager Owen Coyle, who is in talks with Bolton Wanderers, for tomorrow's home match with Stoke City.
Burnley welcome defenders Tyrone Mears and Stephen Jordan back from suspension but Stephen Caldwell is out.
Stoke could have striker Tuncay Sanli available if he has recovered from a hamstring injury in time.