Sunderland striker Benji Kimpioka reveals when he hopes to return

The striker underwent surgery at the start of November for a hamstring injury and was due to be out for four months.

He has now taken to social media to provide an update for supporters on his progress.

And Kimpioka has revealed he hopes to be back sooner rather than later.

On his personal Instagram account, he posted: “Stronger than ever. 6 weeks to go. Thank God.”

His injury was a blow to then Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson.

The 20-year-old had made a superb start to the U23 season after ending his long impasse over a new contract earlier this summer.

The Swedish youth international already had six goals to his name, and was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for October before injury struck.

Speaking in November, former boss Parkinson said: “It's a real shame for him because he had been playing well and had got goals in the U23s.

“As you can imagine, he's pretty down about it but we've just got to make sure he gets the best possible treatment so that he can come back ready to go again in three to four months.

“Everybody has been really pleased with him since he came back.

“He was almost having his pre-season in those U23 games and was getting right up to speed.

“So it's a shame for him and also for us, because he was a player we could have utilised.”

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