Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff out for six to eight weeks with hamstring injury
Tuesday 4 October 2016 16:09, UK
Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a hamstring injury.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder was stretchered off early in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Brom at the Stadium of Light.
And scans have revealed significant damage which could sideline the German for as long as eight weeks.
Kirchhoff, signed during the winter transfer window when Sam Allardye was in charge on Wearside, has started five games this season under David Moyes.
The best-case scenario would see him miss Premier League games against Stoke, West Ham, Arsenal and Bournemouth as well as the EFL Cup match at Southampton.
The news is a blow to Moyes, who is still searching for his first league win since agreeing to replace Allardyce in the summer.
Sunderland are currently bottom of the table with just two points from seven games.