Odion Ighalo, the new Manchester United signing is training away from the club as a precautionary measure following his arrival from China.
Ighalo last played for parent club Shanghai Shenhua on 6th December in the Chinese Cup final. On his arrival, the Nigerian International trains on a different ground due to coronavirus fear. United has decided on the policy because of the risk posed by the deadly virus.
They decided against taking the striker on their winter break training camp in Spain. The reason being concerns he might have difficulty getting back into the UK.
While explaining the player’s absence, Solskjaer said, “Odion will stay in Manchester. Since he came from China in the last 14 days, the news of the virus there means we’re not sure if he’s going to be allowed back into England if he leaves the country again.”
The 30-year-old has been training with support from the club using a personalized fitness program. The training was taking place at the National Taekwondo Centre close to the Etihad Stadium where he has been staying since his arrival in England.
This is to get him ready for the Chelsea Premier League game. In this case, Ighalo will travel with the squad for Monday’s game.
Solskjaer confirmed earlier in the week Ighalo will travel with the squad. He said, “he is going to travel with us. We will just see his fitness work this week and I think we will get him sharp. We want to integrate him as quickly as we can because he is desperate to play for us.”
Ighalo joined United on loan from the Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua for the rest of the season.
In addition, numerous sporting events have been canceled in China and the Far East with the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix included. The doll toll in this country from the virus is now more than 1,350 with almost 60,000 infections in total.