GROIN strains, pulled hamstrings and broken metatarsals are among the more common reasons for footballers having to pull out of matches.

But Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle had a more unusual excuse for missing Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton - scalded testicles.

The Black Cats star, who has only just returned from long-term injury, was involved in a domestic accident late last week that ruled him out of a trip to Goodison Park.

Kyle spilt boiling water in his lap and burned his privates so seriously that he was unable to take his place in the Sunderland squad that travelled to Merseyside.

The Wearsiders are no strangers to bizarre injuries, as winger Julio Arca almost missed a game last season because of a jellyfish sting. The Argentinian was swimming with his team-mates in the North Sea when he was stung, and it took almost three days for the subsequent swelling to subside.

Kyle's problem is not quite as serious - although it is understood to have been considerably more painful - and the Scotsman is expected to be back in training this week ahead of Saturday's home game with Fulham.

Fans, buoyed by Sunderland's first point in seven matches, will be hoping the striker will soon be on a hot streak of a different kind.