After no appearances in the first month of the season, the German played five in 20 days for Sunderland before breaking down again.
Jan Kirchhoff has admitted to Sunderland’s official website that the club pushed him too far following his return to action following a hamstring injury.
The German utility man added both grit and guile to the Black Cats’ midfield when he arrived from Bayern Munich in January last year, playing a major role in yet another miraculous escape act from the top flight Houdinis alongside fellow winter arrivals Lamine Kone and Wahbi Khazri.
However, all three have failed to maintain that impact under David Moyes, with Kirchhoff restricted to just four Premier League starts after enduring a recurrence of the hamstring problem he suffered in pre-season.
The 26-year-old, who’s promising career with Bundesliga champions Bayern was wrecked by a succession of injuries, returned to action in September only to feature in a mammoth five games in 20 days before aggravating the strain against West Brom.
And Kirchhoff said that the club’s decision to throw him back into the action may have been somewhat premature, though adds that he is finally back to full fitness.
“I think when I played the 90 minutes before maybe it was a little bit too early after my long injury,” Kirchhoff told Sunderland’s official website.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries this year and I feel like this is my third pre-season now so I’m pleased to be back on the pitch and pleased to be healthy and fit.
“To be injured isn’t nice because you can’t help the guys on the pitch every weekend. Just not being part of the squad isn’t the best feeling but that’s how football is sometimes.”
Moyes has had to contend with ongoing battles over fitness and form since taking charge this summer, but Sunderland’s handling of a famously injury-prone player simply reeks of desperation.
And, with inspirational captain Lee Cattermole now ruled out for up to four months, Kirchhoff’s workload could be about to get a whole lot heavier.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
