Rate it!

0 votes

Craig Bellamy is set to miss Manchester City's clash with Bolton as a result of his long-standing knee injury.

All matches kick off at 19:45 unless otherwise stated

Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers

Craig Bellamy is set to miss Manchester City's clash with Bolton as a result of his long-standing knee injury. The Wales forward is meeting with a specialist in London on Monday to get a check-up on the problem, but boss Roberto Mancini does not think it is serious and hopes to have him back by the weekend. Joleon Lescott has returned to training and is likely to be on the bench after completing 45 minutes of a training match, but Dedryk Boyata could continue in defence as Vincent Kompany is still struggling with a groin problem and Micah Richards doubtful because of a calf injury. Patrick Vieira and Adam Johnson are expected to be involved again after impressing in their debuts as substitutes in the defeat at Hull on Saturday, while Roque Santa Cruz has recovered from a calf strain.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle will be without Gary Cahill at Eastlands as the defender recovers from a blood clot in his arm. The England hopeful was set to be released from hospital on Monday but could miss the rest of the season. On-loan winger Vladimir Weiss is also absent as the Slovakian cannot face his parent club. Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Fabrice Muamba (ankle) are both doubtful through injury while Gavin McCann and Ivan Klasnic remain sidelined.

Portsmouth v Sunderland

Portsmouth could be without Kevin-Prince Boateng and Anthony Vanden Borre for their clash with Sunderland. Vanden Borre limped off during the second half of Pompey's 5-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday and his replacement, Boateng, was also unable to complete the match after suffering an ankle injury. Steve Finnan could replace Vanden Borre at right-back if he is ruled out. John Utaka (hamstring) may return but Papa Bouba Diop is still sidelined.

Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks as manager Steve Bruce waits to discover the extent of his ankle injury. The teenager, who was carried off during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan, will miss the trip to Fratton Park as he prepares to undergo a scan on Thursday. Bruce will also be without John Mensah (hamstring), Kieran Richardson (calf) and Anton Ferdinand (ankle) at Fratton Park as the Black Cats attempt to end a run of 11 league games without a win.

Wigan Athletic v Stoke City

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from for the visit of Stoke. January signings Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno both made brief substitute appearances in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland but it may still be too early to hand either their first start. Midfielder Steven Gohouri is the only absentee with a hamstring problem.

Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye could make his return to first-team action in Wednesday night's clash. Faye, who has been suffering with a back problem, failed a late fitness test before the 3-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday but could recover in time to play at the DW Stadium. Andy Wilkinson received stitches to a head injury in the Blackburn game but is available for selection.

Fulham v Burnley (20:00)

Fulham will welcome back striker Bobby Zamora from a virus for the clash against Burnley. Simon Davies (ankle) also returns but South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi has been ruled out for up to six weeks because of ankle ligament damage. Striker Andrew Johnson - recovering from knee surgery - is out for the rest of the season, while Paul Konchesky (foot), Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (both knee) are all still sidelined.

Stephen Jordan is pushing to be in contention for Burnley's trip to Craven Cottage. Jordan has been out with a hamstring strain for two weeks but manager Brian Laws confirmed that the defender is nearing a comeback. Chris McCann's recovery from a knee injury is progressing well but the match at Craven Cottage is too soon for him, while Graham Alexander (calf) and Steven Caldwell (groin) remain sidelined.

PA Sport