Soccer-England roundup-Lampard could make Chelsea return

Brief news from the English Premier League ahead of this weekend's matches: * Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard's long-awaited and often delayed comeback from a thigh problem could happen on Sunday when the Londoners host Liverpool.

Lampard, out since Dec. 26, could be among the substitutes. Ricardo Carvalho returns from suspension and John Obi Mikel should be available after African Nations Cup duty but Andriy Shevchenko (back) and John Terry (foot) remain out.

Fernando Torres is missing from the Liverpool team after straining a hamstring playing for Spain in midweek. Andriy Voronin is also out while Xabi Alonso is suspended and Ryan Babel is a doubt after injuring an ankle playing for the Netherlands on Wednesday.

* Benjani Mwaruwari could make his Manchester City debut against Manchester United on Sunday having completed his protracted deadline-day move from Portsmouth. The striker told Zimbabwean newspaper The Herald that he had no idea he was going to be sold but could not sign quickly enough when he saw the salary City were offering. With Park Ji-sung and Paul Scholes back in action after lengthy absences and with Louis Saha also close to fitness, United manager Alex Ferguson said this week: "My squad is getting stronger.

* Arsenal are likely to be without Philippe Senderos for their Monday night game against Blackburn Rovers after he suffered knee ligaanent damage playing for Switzerland against England on Wednesday. However, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (thumb) and midfielders Gilberto (back) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) could all be available after recent absences.

* Everton are likely to be without Yakubu Aiyegbeni for their home game against Reading after the Nigerian striker, unlike club and international team mate Joseph Yobo, failed to return by Wednesday's club deadline from the Nations Cup, local media reported. He was expected back on Friday but is likely to be left out as a punishment, as well as being fined two weeks' wages. Tim Cahill might start on the bench having returned from Australia where he played in a World Cup qualifier.

* Tottenham Hotspur's newly-polished defence might look vulnerable again, even against bottom club Derby County, as Jonathan Woodgate is suspended and Ledley King doubtful with a knee injury.

* Club record signing Afonso Alves is due to make his debut up front for Middlesbrough at home to Fulham.