The Italian international won't be rushed back into action after a long injury lay-off. Rafael Benitez will continue to use his £20m signing as a subsitute until he is fully match fit.
"Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet," said Benitez.
"He wants to keep improving his condition and now it is just a matter of him keeping calm as it won't be long before he is there. He is pushing us all the time.
"He is very positive and wants to help the team now but you must remember that we have a responsibility to him and we will not take any risks at this stage.
"We have got to keep analysing the situation and watching him in every training session but we know that the right time is nearly here. He has a very good mentality."
