New Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is aiming to be fit for the Manchester derby against United on September 10.
The 25-year-old, who completed a £21m move to City from Borussia Dortmund last month, dislocated his knee-cap in May.
Gundogan says he was delighted that new manager Pep Guardiola still wanted him despite his knock and he cannot wait to get stuck in to the Premier League.
The German international told Sky Sports News HQ: "Our target is end of August, September and September 10 is the derby, so I could be ready for it, but it's difficult to say.
"If it's one week earlier it's good, but one week later is also good. The important thing is to be safe and then everything else will come on its own.
"Everything is going well and I am looking forward to being back on the field. I'm doing my rehab, increasing the pressure on my leg, and I'm in good shape and looking forward to it.
"Watching games is not so easy but injuries belong to football, it's normal, so I am trying to take it easy and do my own work, and then help the team as soon as possible.
"Even when I got my injury, Pep said it changed nothing for him and he still wanted me to join, so for me that was a big sign that I was doing the right thing."
Guardiola was unveiled along with Gundogan as part of the club's Cityzen's weekender on Sunday and the German said the Spaniard's appointment as boss was a major influence in his decision to join the Sky Blues.
He said: "I'm really excited. If you see what is going on today [at the weekender], I think the whole City is excited to have such a great manager here.
"He was a big reason I joined. I spoke to him a few times and he gave me such a good feeling. I know him from Germany and saw him in Barcelona. He's really impressive personalty and it's a big chance for me to work with him."