Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned that it will take time for Sergio Aguero to return to his best form having only recently made his comeback from injury.
The Argentine made just his second appearance since returning to the side during Tuesday's goalless draw with Leicester City, but was unable to make a difference in the top-of-the-table clash.
However, Pellegrini expects the striker to get back to his best sooner rather than later if he can get more games under his belt.
"We know him and we know from before that he needs two or three games to return to his normal performance," Pellegrini told reporters.
"At this minute he is playing but I didn't want him to play more than 65 minutes."
City take on Watford at Vicarage Road in their opening game of 2016.