Crossword Genius

Where a cobbler may be, missing Times unfortunately (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alas

'unfortunately' is the definition.
('alas' is used to express regret)

'where a cobbler may be missing times' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'las' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

(Other definitions for alas that I've seen before include "Lackaday" , "Sad expression" , "Exclamation of grief" , "What a shame!" , "Sadly, unfortunately" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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