The midfielder returned in the Chekatrade Trophy in midweek after an injury layoff.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action with Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff
Sunderland defender Jan Kirchhoff has declared himself ready for a Premier League return, speaking to the club’s official website.
The defender has been missing at the beginning of this campaign after picking up an injury in the club’s final game of pre-season.
He made a return to action this week, though, playing 90 minutes in the Black Cats penalty shootout loss to Rochdale in the Chekatrade Trophy.
While the defeat was a disappointing one, to say the least, he was delighted to return to action following his injury lay off.
Norwich’s Wes Hoolahan in action with Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff
And now he is targeting a return to the Premier League, saying he feels he is ready for that next challenge.
“It was good for me to get some game time after getting back on track,” he told the club’s official website.
“I feel good after the game and I think I’m ready for the next challenge – a Premier League game. The game came at a perfect time for me because it was much better than training or playing in a friendly, so I was pleased to get the opportunity.”
Sunderland’s Jan Kirchhoff in action with Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic
David Moyes will certainly be hoping he can have Kirchhoff back in the first team sooner rather than later.
The midfielder played a key role in their side in the second half of last year as they narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
He has been sorely missed at the beginning of this campaign as a result, with their defensive unit looking less solid in his absence, and having him back quickly will be a big boost to them.
Sunderland manager David Moyes before the match
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