Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has admitted that he is still not at 100% as he continues to nurse the knee injury he sustained last season.
The prolific Argentine has only started three games for Pep Guardiola's side in all competitions this term and managed 14 minutes in Tuesday's draw with West Bromwich Albion.
Aguero is a major doubt for City's weekend clash with Southampton, though, and the 32-year-old has revealed that his knee is still troubling him following surgery.
In quotes attributed to Sky Sports News, Aguero said: "It's difficult. Sometimes my knee is good, sometimes a little bit bad. I'm doing everything to help the physio and medical staff to improve.
"I need a little bit of time but I came back in the week, and I hope to be at my best. Now I need time, but it's a long season."
Aguero is about to enter the final six months of his Etihad deal, and the former Atletico Madrid man has been tipped to return to his native Argentina when his City contract expires.