Sunderland midfielder Cristian Riveros will delay his arrival on Wearside in order to represent Paraguay in Wednesday's friendly with Costa Rica.
Boss Steve Bruce is confident the 27-year-old will be in the UK in time for the club's Premier League opener with Birmingham City on 14 August.
"We will get a fresher player and Cristian has been keeping himself fit," Bruce told the club website.
"He had an excellent World Cup so I am sure he will be ready to go."
Prior to the call-up Riveros had faced visa problems as a permit to enter the UK was being delayed following the winger's World Cup participation.
The former Cruz Azul player featured in all five of the national team's matches at the World Cup, helping them to the quarter-finals.
He joined Sunderland in May for an undisclosed fee.
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