Arnautovic and Paulinho locked out of China due to coronavirus travel ban

Players and staff from Chinese Super League clubs are unable to enter China due to a coronavirus travel ban, including Paulinho and Marko Arnautovic.

Last Thursday at midnight, the Chinese government enforced a temporary travel ban on foreign nationals entering the country.

That has resulted in reportedly 30 players and coaches unable to return to work, with Brazilian pair Hulk and Oscar entering the country just 11 minutes before the borders were closed.

The pair, alongside compatriot Ricardo Lopes, arrived at 11:49pm in a private jet according to China Daily, and are now in quarantine for 14 days.

However former Spurs midfielder Paulinho, who plays for Guangzhou Evergrande, and ex-West Ham forward Arnautovic, who plays for Shanghai SIPG are the most high-profile players unable to enter the country.

The Chinese Super League season was due to start on February 22, but has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, Shandong Luneng and former Everton and Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini tested positive for coronavirus.

That has left the season starting in some doubt, though some clubs have begun training this week.

With the start date of the Chinese domestic season up in the air, similarly, Japan has delayed the restart of its top flight to May 9.