Alfredo Morelos faces a covid countdown to be back in time for Rangers ’ start to the season.
Steven Gerrard ’s team begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title at home to Livingston this Saturday.
Days later, they begin their quest to reach the Champions League group stages against either Malmo or HJK Helsinki - Morelos ’ former club.
But the Gers could be without the Colombian due to Covid protocols.
The 25-year-old has been on international duty this summer at the Copa America with his country and as a result, was given extra time off by Gerrard over the summer.
He’s been in his hometown of Cereta after taking part in the tournament in Brazil.
However, both countries have been placed on the travel red list by the UK Government given their numbers of Coronavirus cases.
That means anyone returning from either nation must isolate in a hotel for ten days on arrival.
Footballers can apply for an Elite Sports exemption if travel is necessary to compete.
But that doesn’t apply to countries on the red list and means Morelos could miss both games.
The 25-year-old striker’s wife Yesenia posted a picture of herself at El Dorado International Airport near the Colombian capital Bogota in the early hours of Saturday morning but it is unclear if Morelos has yet arrived back in Scotland.
If he touched back down the same day, he would be forced to self-isolate up to and including August 3 – the day of the Champions League clash.
Gerrard admitted last week he had no idea when he’d have Morelos available again.
“Alfredo Morelos is due back at some point, we’re not sure when,” said the Gers boss. “Hopefully he’ll arrive when he’s ready.”
Morelos has already been forced to self-isolate this summer after contracting the virus during he Copa America build-up.
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