Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff to return to action tomorrow against Rochdale

Sunderland first-team coach Robbie Stockdale has confirmed that Jan Kirchhoff will make his return from injury in tomorrow's EFL Trophy match against Rochdale.

The 25-year-old has not featured in any competitive games for the Black Cats so far, having suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season.

Kirchhoff was always earmarked for a return after the international break, so depending on how he comes through tomorrow's match, he could be in contention for Monday's Premier League game against Everton.

"We're looking at some game time for big Kirchhoff," Stockdale told the club's official website. "I'm just checking on another two senior players later today to see if they're ready to go. It will be a mixed squad.

"We have some extra time due to our next game being on a Monday night and the training group hasn't been large this week with players on international duty.

"Fingers crossed they return unscathed and the like I said we have an extra couple of days to prepare for the Everton game."

Stockdale has been handed the reins for the EFL Trophy by manager David Moyes.