But he's completed his pre season preparations and is set to feature when Cardiff entertain Athletic Bilbao at CCS this afternoon.
“Aron has worked hard through pre-season, is back training with the main group and he is ready to play,” said Cardiff boss Malky Mackay.
“He had to avoid physical contact for some time after suffering his injury, but was with us for the training camp in Switzerland and got through a lot of work over that week.
“He has had virtually a full pre-season training programme and we expect him to be ready for our match against Athletic Bilbao.”
Gunnarsson is not ready to take his trademnark long throws yet. He has some strength but not enough to launch the ball.
"I’ll be waiting a while before attempting any throw-ins. I have been chucking the ball a bit in training but nothing powerful.
“We will have to see how it goes, but right now I am not capable of throwing it into the box.”
If he comes through today's game with no problems he could find himself starting at West Ham next Saturday.
So what about the challenge of the Premier League?
“Personally, I’m not nervous about that challenge. We have a great opportunity for every one of us,” said Gunnarsson.
“I can’t wait to see how I stand against players who have Premier League experience. It’s going to be a huge experience.
“I feel an excitement about the prospect of this season. That excitement far outweighs any nerves.
“Personally I can’t wait to test myself at the top level. I want to be judged as a Premier League player.
“It’s the same with every player. That was clear when everybody came back after the summer break fitter than ever and is working hard to get into the starting line-up for our first match at West Ham.
“We are going to face more quality, the tempo will be higher. Our challenge is to deal with all those factors.
“First, though, I have to prove my fitness and for that reason the only match I am focused on is today against Bilbao. Right now that means everything to me.
"I need to get some playing minutes, get used to it again and our match against Bilbao is an ideal test."
Cardiff City v Athletic Bilbao
Saturday 3:00pm.