Sinfield in fitness race for cup semi

Leeds are hopeful that captain Kevin Sinfield will return for the Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens at the end of the month.nnThe loose forward, 27, hobbled off in Friday night’s 23-22 defeat at Wigan, and it was later confirmed that he had sustained a knee injury.nnSinfield is to undergo a scan later on Monday, although head coach Brian McClennan is confident the England international’s absence will be a short-term one, and expects his star to be back for the crucial semi on July 26.nn”He came in on Saturday, pulled up reasonably well and we were pretty happy with him,” McClennan told the Yorkshire Evening Post.nn”It is nothing major. It is a minor knee injury – a medial strain or cartilage. We will know more when we get the MRI but I don’t think he’s going to be out for too long,” he added.nnIn the meantime, Kiwi centre Clinton Toopi could return for Friday night’s home fixture with Huddersfield.nnToopi hasn’t figured since dislocating shoulder in the Carnegie World Club Challenge win at Elland Road over Melbourne Storm on February 29.nn”He’s got a chance. We will monitor his progress throughout the week and if we feel he is able to get through a game then he will play on Friday,” McClennan explained.