Borini hopes Kirchhoff return inspires Sunderland revival

Striker Fabio Borini hopes the return of Jan Kirchhoff can have a big impact on the rest of Sunderland’s season as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The 26-year-old German midfielder played a big part in keeping the Black Cats up last season after his January arrival from Bayern Munich, but injuries have restricted him to just eight appearances in the current campaign.

The most recent of these came on December 14 against league leaders Chelsea, when Kirchhoff was forced off after 57 minutes with a knee injury that eventually required surgery.

He made his comeback last Monday for Sunderland’s Under-23s and could be set for a return to first-team action on Saturday when Burnley visit the Stadium of Light.

(Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

David Moyes’ side face a big task in preserving their Premier League status, as they lie bottom of the table, six points from safety with just 11 games of the season left.

Borini said: “We all hope that (he can have a similar impact as last season) because Jan is a big guy.

“He is clever on the ball, he can keep it and he can tackle.

“That is the kind of player we have missed in midfield because he can do both transitions – offensive and defensive – in a very good manner. We need that kind of wall in midfield.”