Rangers defender Derek Cornelius is edging closer to a return from injury, but fitness concerns continue to surround the Canadian centre-back as he works his way back into contention at Ibrox.
Cornelius, who joined Rangers on loan from Marseille with an option to buy in the summer, had made a solid impression before his season was disrupted.
The 28-year-old scored once in 12 appearances and looked set to play an important role in Danny Röhl’s defensive plans when the German first arrived at Ibrox in October after the sacking of Russell Martin.
However, his momentum was halted in November when he suffered a significant muscle injury while on international duty with Canada.
The problem occurred during a match against Venezuela, forcing him off early and eventually requiring surgery.
Rangers were left with little choice but to remove him from their UEFA Europa League squad as cover, with early projections suggesting he would be sidelined until at least late January.
Behind the scenes, there is cautious optimism about Cornelius recovery.
Sources close to the Rangers Training Centre indicate he is progressing quicker than expected and has been stepping up his rehabilitation work.
The defender spent the festive period back home in Canada, where he enjoyed Christmas and New Year with family.
However, there have been murmurs within the club about Cornelius overall conditioning and focus during his time away.
Some insiders believe the centre-back may be managing his workload with an eye on Canada’s long-term international commitments, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, rather than rushing himself back into the demanding domestic schedule at Rangers.
There have also been quiet concerns about his physical condition following the injury layoff, with suggestions that his weight and sharpness may not yet be where the club’s sports science department would ideally want them having overly ‘enjoyed’ himself during the Holiday period back in Canada.
While such challenges are not uncommon after surgery, they have added to the uncertainty surrounding when Cornelius will be ready to compete for a starting place again.
In the meantime, Rangers defensive landscape has changed significantly.
Emmanuel Fernandez has stepped into the starting XI and delivered a series of composed performances, earning the trust of the coaching staff and becoming a reliable and consistent threat from set-pieces.
John Souttar has also returned from his own injury issues and reclaimed his place in the back line, while Nasser Djiga is back after international duty with Burkina Faso at the African Cup of Nations.
With multiple centre-back options now available, Cornelius will not be guaranteed an immediate route back into the team.
Röhl has stressed the importance of fitness, intensity, and consistency, particularly during a period where Rangers are chasing both the Scottish league title and cup double.
Elsewhere in the squad, Dujon Sterling is currently sidelined with a short-term injury but is expected to return for Rangers home match against Dundee on January 25.
Clinton Nsiala has been made available for transfer and has been linked with loan moves to both Motherwell and Kilmarnock, while the club have also been linked with Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba, underlining the ongoing focus on defensive depth.
For Cornelius, the coming weeks will be crucial. His technical ability, physical presence, and experience remain valuable assets, but his ability to meet Rangers fitness standards will ultimately determine how quickly he reintegrates into the squad.
With competition for places fierce and expectations high, the Canadian defender must now prove that he can not only recover from injury but also rediscover the sharpness that made him an important part of Rangers plans before his setback.