Fabio Borini is hopeful Jan Kirchhoff can return to Sunderland’s side and emulate the impact he had on the Lads at the end of last season.
The German midfielder joined the Black Cats in January 2016 from European giants Bayern Munich and played a gargantuan role in steering the Lads to safety from the heart of midfield.
However, Kirchhoff has endured a frustrating campaign this time round with two long-term injuries hampering his progression on Wearside.
The 26-year-old handed manager David Moyes and his team-mates a timely fitness boost, though, as he returned to action last Monday, completing 63 minutes as the under-23s suffered defeat at home to Manchester United.
With eyes firmly fixed on Saturday’s crucial Premier League fixture against Burnley, Italian striker Borini has shared his delight at Kirchhoff’s return and is now hopeful midfield General Lee Cattermole can also be back sooner rather than later.
“We all hope that (he can have a similar impact as last season) because Jan is a big guy,” he smile.
“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,” he continued.
“I also hope Lee comes back as soon as possible because he has a charismatic personality and he is a great strength for us.
“He is someone we can always rely on if we don’t have the best game he can lift everyone up with a single tackle or just a shout.
“It’s just what Lee Cattermole is and we have missed him.”