SUNDERLAND striker Kevin Kyle will be fit for the start of the new Coca-Cola League season, although he could miss all three games on the club's American tour.

Kyle was left out of the side that took on a USL Carolina All-Star XI in Raleigh last night after complaining of a hip problem.

Boss Mick McCarthy is taking no chances with his side's opening Coca-Cola League Championship game at Coventry less than four weeks away and has accepted that Kyle may be unable to feature at all over the next seven days.

Sunderland are due to take on Charleston Battery in South Carolina on Saturday before facing the Wilmington Hammerheads four days later, but Kyle is likely to be restricted to the training ground.

A period of light recovery should see him fit to take on Barnsley in Sunderland's first pre-season game on English soil, and will ensure he is in peak condition when McCarthy's side travel to Highfield Road on August 7.

"I think there is probably a small strain or tear in the muscle," confirmed physio Pete Friar. "But I don't think there's going to be a huge problem for him.

"I'm not overly concerned with him, certainly not for the start of the season.

"The hardest thing for Kevin is that he's not one who will pull out with the smallest thing. He's very stoic when it comes to injuries and doesn't ordinarily bring things to your attention."

McCarthy has been boosted by the late arrival of winger John Oster after he jetted into the States late last night.

Oster missed the first three days of the tour after picking up a virus last week.

But he is expected to join the rest of the squad in some light training this evening.

Meanwhile, Julio Arca has revealed that he has been using his spare time to keep tabs on how his native Argentina have been doing in the Copa America.

Marcelo Bielsa's side booked a quarter-final clash with hosts Peru after a 4-2 win over Uruguay this week, and Arca has been keeping a keen eye on developments in South America.

Sunderland misfit Nicolas Medina is part of the Argentinian squad, although he hasn't made it on to the field yet.

And Arca admits to being more than a little envious of his team-mate.

"He hasn't played for the National team in the Copa America yet but it is a great opportunity to be involved," said Arca, who is expected to be part of the Argentinian Olympic squad that is named later this month.

"I spoke to him recently before he went to join up with the national team.

"He's been playing well in Spain."

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