An extended international break is finally over for Kemar Roofe but as of this afternoon, he was still on downtime in Honduras.
In a frustrating update for Rangers fans and almost certainly, Steven Gerrard, there is no chance of the striker being back in Glasgow tonight.
With his arrival anticipated in the UK tomorrow, it means Roofe will have to settle for a place on the bench, at best, against Hearts on Saturday at Ibrox.
The Jamaican international rounded off the World Cup qualifiers in style, by netting his first goal for the Reggae Boyz in a 2-0 victory.
Earlier today, he posted to his Instagram account beside the pool to provide an update on his situation.
Kemar Roofe still in Honduras this afternoon.
Seems almost certain to be on the bench on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/6XeHDOpFrV
— Vital Rangers (@vitalrangers) October 14, 2021
🔥 @roofe’s first International goal for Jamaica.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 14, 2021
Rangers other internationals (there were 12 players on senior duty this window) had finished their commitments and were able to return in time to get preparations underway at club level once again.
Unlike Roofe with three, they all had just two games over the last week but it is the timing of the third CONCACAF qualifier in the early hours of Thursday (UK time) which has resulted in a further delay to the return of the former Leeds and Anderlecht man.
Of course, there will be alloted time post-match for recovery and respite but given the demands of three games in a week and trans-atlantic travel, Gerrard will have his player fully assessed by the medical staff before making a decision on Saturday.
Thankfully now for the next four weeks, it is all about Rangers until the disruption of yet another international period in November.