JAN KIRCHHOFF is facing up to three months out through injury, leaving manager David Moyes desperately hoping Sunderland can at least bring in a low-cost midfielder during the January transfer window.

Kirchhoff suffered knee ligament damage during Wednesday night’s defeat to Chelsea and it was confirmed yesterday that he is facing a lengthy time on the sidelines.

It is a further blow to Moyes in his bid to steer Sunderland away from the relegation zone after a week when chief executive Martin Bain revealed there would be no money made available in the New Year for players.

Kirchhoff has been in and out of the side all season because of injuries and he has only made nine appearances; he was linked with a move to Hamburg just days ago. He is out of contract in the summer too.

The 26-year-old joins fellow midfielders Lee Cattermole and Paddy McNair in the treatment room for the long term, while Jack Rodwell and Lynden Gooch are two more struggling with injuries. Steven Pienaar will have a late fitness test to see if he can face Watford today.

But Moyes, despite knowing the transfer pot is empty, is still considering ways along with Bain to add to the squad – particularly after mutually pulling the plug on the deal with Yann M’Vila.

“We are short of a midfielder and could definitely be short of a central defender,” said Moyes. “We expect to lose Lamine Kone to the African Cup of Nations and it could leave us really short.

“But because of injuries to central midfielders we are really short in midfield. In the forward areas we are not too bad. I think we look short towards the middle and the back.”

Kirchhoff had to be replaced after 57 minutes against Chelsea in midweek. Moyes said: “We have lost Kirchhoff which looks like a lateral meniscus tear done in the game. He will see the specialist. There is a tear there.”

As well as Pienaar possibly returning this afternoon, Sunderland also hope Victor Anichebe will be fit too after thigh trouble. Javier Manquillo remains one of seven other injured players though.

But Moyes is determined to stay positive after encouraging performance has put them in with a chance of climbing out of the relegation zone, despite starting the season winless in ten games.

He said: “If we keep showing signs then everyone will stick with us and keep going. We have to keep showing we are in the games. We might not win them.”

Moyes hopes owner Ellis Short will look at the club’s injury situation and realise Sunderland’s Premier League chances could be improved by a little more investment next month.

He said: “After the Kirchhoff injury I feel like saying, ‘Come on, wait a minute’. If we were picking these injuries up in training I would say, ‘Hold on, what am I doing?’ But every one of them has been in a game. We’ve got three serious knee injuries.

‘We still have a strong 11 or 12. I might not have 17. But I still expect to win games. We won’t be using anything else as an excuse.”

Sunderland’s commercial director, meanwhile, is to leave the club.

There have been a number of changes at boardroom and football level since Bain was introduced as chief executive and Gary Hutchinson’s 17-year stint at the club will end.

"I have been offered an exciting opportunity to embark on the next stage of my career, which I am really looking forward to,” said Hutchinson. “Of course I am saddened to leave behind some wonderful colleagues, friends and clients, but I will take so many positive memories and incredible experiences with me.

"I would like to sincerely thank Ellis Short, Martin Bain and Angela Lowes for their support and friendship during my time at the club and everyone I have worked alongside during my 17 eventful years.

"I have been a Sunderland supporter all my life and I will continue to follow the club with tremendous pride. I wish David and the team, along with everyone associated with Sunderland, the very best of luck for the remainder of the season and beyond.”