Foreign players may not be able to return to the country until October, although the new season begins in June.
About a third of the Chinese Super League’s players are currently outside of China and face being refused entry until much later in the year.
Ighalo is among a huge group of players and managers that fall into that category, including Dalian Yifang manager Rafa Benitez.
However, the 30-year-old’s agent, Ladi Salami, has hinted that the Nigerian striker might end up remaining in the UK. According to Salami, an extension is close to being agreed.
Ighalo joined United on a six-month loan deal in January, which expires on May 31.
He has scored four times in eight appearances.