Forward Fashion Sakala has opted to leave focus on his Rangers fitness amid confusion over his status for Zambia's World Cup qualifiers.
The Ibrox attacker came on as a late sub for Alfredo Morelos as Steven Gerrard 's men earned derby day bragging rights against Celtic.
Despite his return, he wasn't included for his country's squad for the double-headers against Mauritania and at home to Tunisia.
This sparked a backlash on boss Beston Chambeshi for not calling on the 24-year-old, with other reports in his homeland claiming Rangers stood in the way of his international release.
However, Zambian FA president Andrew Kamanga has intervened to clear up the situation insisting it was a decision from the player.
Sakala has been blighted by a groin injury in recent weeks and has decided to remain at Auchenhowie to recover.
Kamanga told the Zambia FA website : “When we sent the request for his release, the club (Rangers) released Fashion (Sakala) but he decided he wasn’t fit enough.
"He has asked to be excused because he believes he cannot contribute at 100 percent because he is still recovering from an injury."
Sakala has made one start and three substitute appearances since his summer move from Oostende to the Premiership champions.
