Jan’s focus was on rehab as rest of squad hit NYC
No date has yet been set for his return to first team action, with Moyes hoping to have Kirchhoff involved for the final two months of the campaign after overcoming his latest injury.
“It was a great feeling to get back onto the pitch and an even better feeling to do it in front of an incredible atmosphere,” said Kirchhoff, who had two spells out with hamstring trouble earlier in the season.
“It’s so nice that so many Sunderland supporters found their way to the Stadium of Light to watch us train and give us a real lift.
“It’s tough to be out because during you rehab you have to train on your own, so it’s good to be with the team again.
“I used last week as the next phase of my rehab schedule because I needed team training.
“So I worked with the Under-23s instead of travelling to New York.
“It was better for my personal development if I stayed here and trained, and it was good for me as I’m now back with the team.
“I hope I can play my role and help the club to safety.
“Our goal is to stay in the Premier League and we will all do our best to achieve that,” Kirchhoff told the club website.
Kirchhoff was one of the key figures in last season’s battle for Premier League survival.
Having signed an 18-month deal when he arrived last January, Kirchhoff is out of contract in the summer.
However, Sunderland boss David Moyes has already confirmed all contract talks are on hold until the club’s Premier League fate is known.