Jan Kirchhoff reveals why he didn't join his Sunderland teammates in New York

Jan Kirchhoff was happy to stay and train on Wearside rather than head to the Big Apple with the rest of the Sunderland squad for a team bonding trip.
Jan Kirchhoff is closing in on a return for SunderlandJan Kirchhoff is closing in on a return for Sunderland
Jan Kirchhoff is closing in on a return for Sunderland

David Moyes took his first team squad to New York for five days last week but Kirchhoff remained in the North East to work on his fitness as he closes in on a first team return after suffering a cartilage tear in his knee in December.

The midfielder has been working hard at the Academy of Light and took part in the opening training session at the Stadium of Light on Monday in front of thousands of fans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

No date has yet been set for his return to first team action, with Moyes hoping to have Kirchhoff involved for the final two months of the campaign after overcoming his latest injury.

"It was a great feeling to get back onto the pitch and an even better feeling to do it in front of an incredible atmosphere," said Kirchhoff, who had two spells out with hamstring trouble earlier in the season.

"It’s so nice that so many fans found their way to the Stadium of Light to watch us train and give us a real lift.

"It’s tough to be out because during you rehab you have to train on your own, so it’s good to be with the team again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I used last week as the next phase of my rehab schedule because I needed team training, so I worked with the Under-23s instead of travelling to New York.

"It was better for my personal development if I stayed here and trained, and it was good for me as I’m now back with the team and I hope I can play my role and help the club.

"Our goal is to stay in the Premier League and we will all do our best to achieve that," Kirchhoff told the club website.

Kirchhoff was one of the key figures in last season’s battle for survival.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having signed an 18-month deal when he arrived last January, Kirchhoff is out of contract in the summer,with Moyes already confirming all contract talks are on hold until the club's Premier League fate is known.