The midfielder played 90 minutes in the loss to Rochdale.
Sunderland first-team coach Robbie Stockdale has told the Chronicle that Jan Kirchhoff’s 90-minute display in the Chekatrade Trophy can only be a good thing.
The midfielder has missed the start of this season after picking up a hamstring injury in the Black Cats’ final game of pre-season.
He is on the road to recovery now though and managed to play the full 90 minutes as they lost to League One side Rochdale on penalties in the Chekatrade Trophy earlier this week.
While the result was a disappointing one, the game time will have been vital for the German and Stockdale says this run out can only be a good thing for him.
“He’s a good player, and to come through the 90 minutes can only do him good,” he told the Chronicle.
“We’ll see how he is over the next few days – I imagine he will be quite stiff tomorrow – but having him fit can only be a positive for the first team, and for Jan himself.”
David Moyes will now be hoping to get Kirchhoff fully fit and into his team as soon as possible.
The midfielder was key to Sunderland’s form in the second half of last season, with a series of impressive displays helping to plug what had been a leaky defence prior to his arrival.
Losing him at the start of this campaign has been a major blow to their hopes and getting him fit again will likely be towards the top of Moyes’ plans.
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