English soccer roundup - Arsenal defender Gallas doubtful

LONDON (Reuters) - Brief news from the Premier League ahead of this weekend's matches:

* Arsenal defender William Gallas is a doubt to face former club and title rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (1600) as the Frenchman is struggling with an eye injury.

Left back Kieran Gibbs is out for three months, but Theo Walcott could return to boost manager Arsene Wenger's attacking options following injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

League leaders Chelsea could welcome England international Frank Lampard back from a thigh injury after the midfielder returned to training this week.

* Manchester United will welcome back Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov from a knee injury for Saturday's trip to bottom-club Portsmouth (1500).

Defenders Jonny Evans (ankle), John O'Shea (heel) and Rio Ferdinand (back) are all ruled out.

Portsmouth, who this week appointed Avram Grant as manager, will be without England goalkeeper David James (calf) for the sell-out match at Fratton Park. Jamie Ashdown or Antti Niemi will deputise.

"He (Grant) has kept in touch with the game quite a lot and he'll be pleased to get back in. He's got a task on his hands but hopefully he can manage it," United manager Alex Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

* Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is not likely to be fit for Sunday's Merseyside derby at Everton's Goodison Park (1330) but midfielder Alberto Aquilani could make his first start.