Ghanaian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng  was forced to drive 650 miles from Germany to make Portsmouth's Premier League clash Aston Villa on Sunday because of the air traffic chaos.
The 23-year-old  influential Ghanaian nearly missed the game because of the volcanic ash cloud that has affected flight across the globe.
Boateng as left stranded in Germany by the problem in Iceland that has created flight chaos throughout northern Europe.
He was instrumental in Portsmouth's FA Cup semi-final victory over Spurs, making the first goal for Frederic Picquionne, before netting the second from the penalty spot.
Coach Avram Grant gave him time off to spend with his family in Germany and his return was affected by the air traffic problem but he managed to arrive in time for the game.
Although the Israeli admitted Boateng may not even have been fit to play as he is suffering from an ankle complaint.
He said: 'We told Kevin he could go home to see his family after the semi-final and he was due to come back on Thursday.
'But he was unable to get a flight and now he's talking about coming back by car - but how long will that take, about a week?'
'He played 120 minutes at Wembley and even if he does get back in time to face Villa we don't know how fit he'll be after his recent ankle problems.'
Even though Grant suspected that Boaten would not be fit, the Ghanaian arrived and was given a place in the starting team.
Grant also revealed that he is unlikely to be able to play Nigerian striker Kanu in any of Portsmouth's remaining games.