Antonio Nocerino says he will need no more than two games to be fully fit for his new club Orlando City.
Orlando coach Adrian Heath said this week that Nocerino would be available to face the Chicago Fire on Friday night, even though he only arrived from Italy to start training with the MLS club last week.
The 30-year-old said he is not quite at 100 percent, but he said he is eager to make his debut.
"Right now, I just hope to play," Nocerino told MLSsoccer.com. "I really miss the playing field. But, to be [match] fit? To be as fit as I would like to be? That will be two games, maximum.
"I've had a great first impression [this week] and I'm very happy to be a part of this group and this club."
The Lions will not have Kaka available as he continues to deal with a thigh strain. Nocerino said the Brazilian star played a key role in bringing him to Florida.
"I hope to see him back match fit as soon as possible so he and I, as well as the rest of the team, can perform and hopefully build a great team together," Nocerino said.
"I spoke often with Ricky when I first heard about Orlando's interest in me. He and I have a splendid relationship, and were often in contact with each other."
Nocerino was introduced at halftime to more than 60,000 fans during Orlando City's season opener on Sunday, and he said the large crowd bodes well for the future of MLS.
"I had an impression that this is a growing league, and I had a great impression because the stadiums are always full. The atmosphere is great, and therefore every match is a spectacle," he said.
"It's a growing league, and in my opinion, within three years this will be one of the most popular leagues."