Manchester City midfielder Rodri admitted that it will take him months to hit top form again after returning from a cruciate ligament injury.
City have gently eased the Spaniard back into action and he is likely to be given more minutes against Juventus on Thursday in the final group game of the Club World Cup.
Pep Guardiola missed the 29-year-old's influence in thwarting danger last season, although remains mindful of overloading his metronome.
Nico Gonzalez and new signing Tijjani Reijnders have started in the deeper midfielder berth in the opening two matches of the tournament, with Rodri itching for a start.