"The players have been fine about it, but we need to get Sammy in as quickly as possible. If we could speak to the player we could find out what's going on. We're doing everything we can."
Meanwhile, fellow striker and good friend of Sammy's Mamady Sidibe is also unclear where his team-mate has disapeared to. "No-one knows where Sammy is. I tried to call him, but his phone was switched off," said Sidibe.
"Because we've had no news, we don't know what's happened to him. It could be anything. He's my friend and I'd be happy if he came back. When Sammy came to the club he helped us a lot and scored many goals. I want him to come back and help us again.
"He's never spoken about leaving the club. I'm sure he's happy here at Stoke. He's got a contract for three years and I think he wants to stay. It's not difficult for the rest of the players because it is pre-season and everyone is concentrating on their job and trying to get fit."