New manager Derek McInnes is edging closer to having his full Rangers squad available in training, but the club's World Cup contingent will return at different stages over the coming weeks.
Under FIFA guidelines, players are recommended to receive three weeks of rest following their nation's elimination from the tournament. That equates to 22 days from the date of elimination, with the rest period beginning the following day.
However, those recommendations are not mandatory, and players can return earlier if an agreement is reached with their club.
With Rangers' Scottish Premiership opener away to Dundee United at Tannadice scheduled for July 31, the progress of Belgium and Norway could yet have a significant impact on McInnes' selection plans.
Kelly, Souttar and Shankland due back on July 16
Scotland's World Cup campaign officially came to an end on June 28, when the final group-stage results confirmed they had been eliminated.
Based on FIFA's recommended three-week recovery period, Liam Kelly, John Souttar and Lawrence Shankland would therefore be due back at Rangers on July 20.
That gives the experienced trio around two weeks to rebuild match fitness before Rangers travel to Tannadice for their league opener.
Pandur set for July 25 return
New goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and Croatia were eliminated from the World Cup on July 3.
Applying the same guidance would see the Croatian return to Rangers on July 25, leaving less than a week before the Premiership campaign begins.
The former Hull City keeper is expected to work with Allan McGregor, with the Ibrox legend set to be named McInnes's new goalie coach.
Raskin and Aasgaard could miss season opener
The biggest uncertainty surrounds Nicolas Raskin and Thelo Aasgaard, whose nations remain in the competition.
Norway face Brazil in the last 16 on July 5. Should they be knocked out, Aasgaard's recommended return date would be July 27.
Belgium, meanwhile, take on hosts the United States on July 7. If that proves to be Raskin's final match of the tournament, he would be due back on July 29.
Those dates would leave both players with just days to prepare for Rangers' opening league fixture against Dundee United.
Should either Belgium or Norway advance beyond the last 16, their return would be pushed back further, increasing the likelihood that Raskin and Aasgaard miss the start of the domestic campaign.
While FIFA's recommendation is designed to ensure players receive adequate recovery after a demanding international tournament, clubs can agree an earlier return where appropriate.
Whether McInnes opts to accelerate that process could depend on Rangers' injury situation, squad depth and how far Belgium and Norway progress in the World Cup.
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