Sunderland boss hoping to have Jan Kirchhoff back fit in a 'couple of weeks'

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has revealed he hopes to have Jan Kirchhoff back fit and playing within a 'couple of weeks'.
Sunderland's Jan KirchhoffSunderland's Jan Kirchhoff
Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff

The 25-year-old was subbed just 16 minutes into the 2-1 win over Manchester United after picking up a hamstring strain.

And manager Allardyce says he hopes to have him back fit for when Sunderland resume their battle for Premier League survival.

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Allardyce said: "[The new boys were] absolutely fantastic, apart from Jan who picked up the hamstring, but hopefully he’ll be fit in a couple of weeks.

"We have a couple of weeks now for all the injuries to recover for the trip down to West Ham United.

"It is a good break to recover as many players as we can and get them out on that field and try and continue where we’ve left off."

Sunderland spent around £750,000 to bring Kirchhoff from Bayern Munich last month, with a view to the German offering a much-needed option in central defence.

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But Allardyce was well-aware that Kirchhoff had operated as a defensive midfielder during a loan spell at Schalke last season and, after using Kirchhoff in that role, he has gone on record saying he sees no reason to move him into the back-line at present.

The form of fellow January signing Lamine Kone alongside captain John O’Shea has been a major factor in the side picking up four points gainst Liverpool and Manchester United.

And the Black Cats boss is delighted with his side’s added defensive strength.

"I have got a very solid unit," added Allardyce.

"Even though we conceded a goal as a team we defended very well against some of the bigger boys in the Premier League, who we know have spent huge amounts of money.

"We contained them very well and going forward we showed a lot of quality on the ball at the right times to cause the Manchester United defence a lot of problems."