Sergi Samper will miss Barcelona‘s pre-season tour of the US due to a knee problem, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder had been due to fly out on Tuesday evening but after a training session earlier in the day, his absence was confirmed.

“The first team player Sergi Samper has a problem in his left knee and will stay in Barcelona to receive treatment and follow a specific training plan,” said a statement on the official club website.

Valverde will be without the majority of his first-team players due to their participation at the World Cup.

Barcelona will open their US tour against Tottenham Hotspur on July 29 in Los Angeles followed by a clash with Roma in Dallas two days after. Their tour will finish on August 4 against AC Milan.