He averaged 30 mins per game over the final 13 matches, so although he contributed I'd argue that as were were total rubbish at the end of last season and were really struggling for spark, either fitness or form on his part was keeping him out of the team. No one else was at it from about March.Was he not fully fit? He got significant minutes towards the end of last season - I don't think any of us really know that.
After such a long time out with such a significant injury, I suspect it takes months not weeks to reach full match fitness