Cavalry FC announced on Wednesday that winger José Escalante has been sent on a short-term loan in his native Honduras with first division side Club Deportivo Y Social Vida.

Escalante, 25, will remain with CDS Vida for the remainder of the Honduran top-flight season, which will allow him to return to Cavalry next year prior to the 2021 Canadian Premier League campaign.

“This was an opportunity that makes sense for Jose, given the unfortunate inability for him to get into Canada this year as a result of the pandemic and border closures,” Cavalry coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said in a news release.

“Playing games in his domestic league in Honduras with Vida will keep him sharp and ready to return to our Cavalry colours once again for 2021.”

A fan favourite in Calgary for his flashy skills and fiery temperament, Escalante signed with the Cavs last April. He went on to score four goals and tally six assists in 28 appearances in all competitions in 2019 – including playing in both legs of the CPL Finals and six games in the Canadian Championship. He also earned reputation for getting under the skin of opponents on the pitch.

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In February, Escalante re-signed with Cavalry but he was unable to return to Canada from his native Honduras due to travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, he didn’t play for the Cavs during The Island Games.

“He’s a quality character. I know he had that bad boy image around the league, but off the pitch he’s a terrific human being,” Wheeldon Jr told CanPL.ca back in July. “He just adds something. He draws players away, there’s that incredible quality, but if it doesn’t work out, he knows we’ll try to keep him involved.

“We’re crossing our fingers he can get in for this tournament.”

Earlier this week, Cavalry announced that it had sent 17-year-old forward Aribim Pepple on a two-week trial with English Premier League club Sheffield United.