Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber says he is hopeful he will be given the green light to return to England ahead of the resumption of the football season.

Struber is currently staying with his family in his native Austria, where restrictions brought about by the current global outbreak of Coronavirus mean that at the minute, he would not be able to travel back to England to take charge of the Tykes.

Indeed, even when he does return to the country, Struber could face the prospect of 14 days in quarantine, a measure the UK Government is reportedly planning to introduce for anyone who is travelling into the country.

Discussing the challenge he faces in getting back to England, Struber told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Everyone knows that it is necessary and we hope when we come back that there is a clear concept (plan) from the government.

“Maybe the quarantine can be a little smaller and I am waiting for the concept and the travel plan and my players are waiting for that. We will do what the government needs from us."

It isn't just Struber facing such a challenge at the minute, with a number of players - including a number of Barnsley's on squad - currently abroad, and discussing that issue, the Barnsley boss added: “This is the challenge. Many airlines are sleeping right now.

“Many players in Europe and for everyone, it is a big challenge to come back to Barnsley.

"We need a good clear plan of when we do start the training and then we can start the process with the travel process.”

Despite an improvement in results since Struber left Austrian side Wolfsberger to take over at Barnsley back in November, the club still find themselves deep in trouble in the battle to avoid relegation.

The Tykes are currently bottom of the Championship table, seven points from safety with nine games of the season still to be played at some point.

The Verdict

You feel this is something that Barnsley could well do without.

With players seemingly spread across Europe and facing the prospect of quarantine when they do return to England, it looks as though it is going to be rather difficult for them to get any sort of preparation together for when the season to resume.

That is something that would bad enough for any team to have to deal with, let alone one in Barnsley's position in the battle against relegation, and you feel this is something of an ominous sign for the Tykes ahead of football's resumption.