Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted it could be another four weeks before Javier Hernandez features for Manchester United.
The Mexican, hospitalised in New Jersey after suffering concussion during training, is still some way behind his team-mates in terms of his fitness.
But the striker, who scored 20 goals in his debut campaign last season, may not now play until late August or early September.
After such a gruelling season and a starring role for Mexico in their victorious Gold Cup campaign, Ferguson is wary of the 23-year-old suffering burn-out.
“Javier was always going to get a break until he did his proper pre-season,” said Ferguson. “In a two-week period now he’ll do some training but he won’t play. We’ll have him back in three to four weeks.”
Ferguson hailed United’s three-week tour of the US a success but played down the significance of the win over Barcelona, who have twice got the better of them in Champions League finals.
“We’re happy winning the match against Barcelona,” said Fergie. “Both teams made a lot of changes so it’s difficult to gauge exactly the importance of the result.
“But the expectation is for us to win all games and we’re delighted to go into the season with a winning frame of mind.
“We’ve integrated the new players well – they’ve done well settling in with players they don’t really know.
“I’m sure we’re fit, I’m sure we’ve got a good squad and I’ve got some good young players coming through.
“These are all plusses. We have a squad able to deal with the demands of the English and European game.”
Nani inspired United’s 2-1 Barca victory, scoring the opener in the 20th minute after a superbly-timed run.
Barcelona drew level after 70 minutes through a stunning 25-yard strike from Thiago, but Michael Owen sealed the win six minutes later with an assured finish.