News emerged earlier this week that Derek Cornelius had been excluded from Rangers first-team training by Danny Rohl.
The on-loan Marseille defender is set to train with the club’s youth sides for the foreseeable future following his recent injury issues.
While no public comment has been made by the club, this does not appear to be a permanent decision.
Sources within the club suggest the situation will ultimately depend on whether Cornelius can work his way back into the German coach’s plans.
However word suggesting the move is purely to aid his recovery and rebuild fitness have also been refuted by sources within the training centre.
They have indicated there are additional internal factors behind the decision.
With just eight matches remaining in the Premiership season, however, time is not on the Canadian’s side.
Canada opportunity for Derek Cornelius
That lack of minutes is made even more significant by Cornelius’ inclusion in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad.
The head coach confirmed he will select “a bigger group” ahead of the reveal, adding that he would “include some injured players” such as Cornelius.
“They might not feature in games,” Marsch said. “But we want them around the team.”
Cornelius has not featured for Rangers since a win away to Dundee in early November after an injury with Canada.
Experts have their say on Cornelius
Discussion around his situation has extended to Canada, where OneSoccer analysts highlighted the importance of the upcoming international window.
Experienced reporter Kristian Jack believes it is a “a huge camp for Derek Cornelius.”
He noted that the defender is “not fully fit, but available” ahead of friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia.
Demotion felt back home
He also confirmed that Cornelius has fallen out of the picture at club level.
“In the October window he wasn’t fully fit, then hurt against Venezuela, and hasn’t played a minute since,” Jack explained.
“Now he’s been cast aside at Rangers, he’s not even training with the first team.
“He might only play four matches between now and then, and they could all be for Canada.
“This is a massive window for him.”
Backed by former pro
Despite his struggles at Rangers, former Canadian Premier League player Jordan Wilson was more optimistic about what Cornelius can still offer.
“I’m excited to see what he can do in this camp,” he said.
“I really hope Jesse Marsch gives him a start, or at least enough minutes to get acclimated.
“He can do things other players in this squad can’t.”
Read Rangers analysis
From a Rangers perspective, though, his absence may not be keenly felt.
Cornelius was part of a defence that recorded just three clean sheets in 14 appearances, conceding 16 goals from an expected goals-against figure of 7.35.
However, with John Souttar out of sorts and Nasser Djiga’s recent upturn not ensured to be a permanent factor – reliable options are scarce ahead of the title race’s conclusion.
The coming weeks will define the trajectory of his and Rangers’ season and his own longer-term future.
With opportunities at club level limited, the international stage could offer Cornelius a crucial platform to reassert his value to both his national team and his club manager.
