Kyle to miss start of the season
Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle is almost certain to miss the start of the new season as his club prepare to make a decision on his long-standing hip injury.
The 24-year-old Scotland international travelled a France last month to consult Paris-based specialist Thierry Boyer over the hip cartilage problem which limited him to just seven senior appearances last season and left him with concerns his career could be over.
Manager Mick McCarthy had hoped rest alone would do the trick but a decision will be made soon on whether or not to send the 6ft 3in hitman for another operation in an attempt to find a solution and that would mean another three months on the sidelines.
“It looks like he will need another operation and it’s a blow,” McCarthy told the club’s official website, www.safc.com. “If that’s the case, there is no way he will be with us for pre-season – or by the start of next season.”
Kyle played a major role in the Black Cats’ near-miss as they attempted to return to the Barclays Premiership at the first attempt two seasons ago, but had to sit by and watch Marcus Stewart and Stephen Elliott fire their side back into the top flight during the last campaign as a series of false dawns left him still searching for fitness.
