Kenneth Vargas will return to Heart of Midlothian after a break following Costa Rica’s exit from the Copa America.

The forward was an unused substitute as Los Ticos defeated Paraguay 2-1 in their final group game. However, it wasn’t enough to reach the quarter-final due to Brazil earning a point against Colombia. 

Vargas didn’t feature in any of Costa Rica’s three games at the tournament. They drew 0-0 with Brazil in the opener before falling to a 3-0 defeat to Colombia. He did play in one of the country's World Cup qualifiers prior to the competition, coming off the bench in a 3-0 win over Grenada.

Team-mate Gerald Taylor who is set to join Vargas at Tynecastle Park played the entire game against Paraguay at right wing-back. He was unused against Colombia but came off the bench late on in the draw with Brazil. 

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The defender is due to join on a loan deal from Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa with an option to make the move permanent. Hearts were recently granted a Governing Body Exemption to allow them to start the process for a visa.

Speaking to Steven Naismith on Tuesday, it was unclear the specific date Vargas would return due to the uncertainty of Costa Rica’s future in the tournament at that time. But will be given a break before he gears up for the 2024/25 season following a successful first campaign in Gorgie, scoring nine goals.

Lawrence Shankland and Zander Clark were given extra time off after being at Euro 2024 with Scotland. They will return next week and join up with the squad when it returns from Tenerife.