Sergio Aguero has opened up on his daily battle with knee pain as he struggles to play a part in Manchester City's season.
Aguero has started just three matches since June, with City's barren spell coinciding with his absence.
The Argentine missed a training session this week after playing just 14 minutes of Tuesday's draw with West Brom.
'It's difficult,' Aguero said. 'Sometimes my knee is good, sometimes bad. I'm doing everything to improve. I came back in the week, and I hope to be at my best. I need time, but it's a long season.'
Aguero delivered Christmas presents to local primary school children on Friday as part of City's community programme.
City, who visit Southampton on Saturday, do not have the luxury of time. They are eight points behind leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand. That extra fixture may count for very little if the lack of goals continues.
Riyad Mahrez tops their charts on four league goals, and three of those came in one match against Burnley.
Manager Pep Guardiola said: 'We have to score two or three to win games. We are not able to do it now, so we don't deserve to win.'
Sportsmail understands Raheem Sterling, who has three league goals so far, has discussed the issue with his manager, who challenged the England man to prove he can be a world-class forward and back up his status as one of the game's most valuable players.
