WEST Ham have been buoyed by the news that boss Glenn Roeder is making good progress in hospital following his stroke last week ahead of the must-win clash with London rivals Chelsea at Upton Park on Saturday.

So while all minds will be focused on taking another three survival points from this weekend's clash it is comforting to know that at least Roeder has started to turn the corner.

The club this week released a statement that was posted on to their official website on Tuesday. It said: "West Ham United is delighted to report that Glenn Roeder has made very good progress over the past few days and is now out of intensive care.

"Tests have revealed a small lesion in the brain that will require neuro-surgery in the near future. A full recovery and a return to work is expected within the next six to eight weeks. A further statement will be issued on this website when necessary.

"Glenn's wife Faith would like to thank all those who have sent messages of best wishes and support, especially from many hundreds of Hammers fans. Faith has also requested that the family's privacy continues to be respected at this time."

Whether Roeder will come back to a Premiership or First Division side though, is still hanging finely in the balance. The 1-0 victory at Manchester City on Sunday kept the hope alive, but reality dictates that they also need to win both of their remaining two matches if they are to have any chance at all of avoiding the drop.

But with that still a distinct possibility both Bolton and Leeds are nervously looking over their shoulders, and indeed Aston Villa and Fulham are also still relegation possibilities.

The fact however remains that West Ham are favourites to go down and to survive will need to see any of the above teams slip up.

One worry for stand in boss Trevor Brooking though, is the growing injury list. Michael Carrick and Lee Bowyer are already ruled out, and there is also the possible absence of Les Ferdinand, Steve Lomas and skipper Joe Cole. Lomas was caught on the ankle at Man City and like Cole, played on through the pain barrier to finish the game. Speaking to Guardian Sport this week Cole said: "I thought I had broken my leg and I was thinking of actually coming off, just as Les went down injured, so I didn't feel that I could be substituted then.

"I gritted my teeth and played on, but that might have cost me and I might not be fit for Chelsea now. I am in more pain now than during the game and it's very uncomfortable. But I will try to be fit for Saturday if it's possible.

"It's a game I really don't want to miss, because it's a massive one for us and everyone knows that, which is why I'm so desperate to play if I can."

May 1, 2003 11:00