TheCable

Odion Ighalo, former Super Eagles forward, will miss Manchester United’s training camp in Spain over fears the coronavirus outbreak could lead to him being refused entry back into the UK.

The 30-year-old joined United on the deadline of January transfer window from Shanghai Shenhua for the rest of 2019/20 English Premier League season.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer told MUTV that due to border restrictions since the outbreak of the coronavirus in China, Ighalo could be denied entry back into the UK.

The coronavirus has infected thousands and claimed 722 lives. Consequently, restrictions could be placed on travellers who have been in China within the past fortnight.

It means Ighalo will remain in Manchester on a personal training and fitness programme while his team-mates enjoy their winter break in Spain for some warm-weather training.

🛫 We’re heading to Spain for some warm-weather training 💪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Zu7mOMvowQ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 8, 2020

Advertisement

“Odion will stay in Manchester, because he arrived from China in the last 14 days,” Solksjaer said.

“Because of the situation in China, we’re not sure if he’d be allowed back into England if he leaves the country again, so he’s staying here working with a personal coach, individual programme and his family then can settle in England as well. That’s a plus.

“Of course he might have liked to have come with the players and got to know them, but the risk [of potential border restrictions tightening], we don’t want to take that.”

The Red Devils left for Marbella on Saturday.