NEWCASTLE Jets will not stand in the way of overseas players or coaches if they wish to return home - even if it means their season is over.
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The A-League has been suspended until at least April 22 due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic which has gripped the world.
The Jets have five foreign players - Abdiel Arroyo, Bobby Burns, Joe Ledley, Wes Hoolahan and Roy O'Dovonan - while coach Carl Robinson and his assistant Kenny Miller also hail from overseas.
Only O'Donovan and Hoolahan have their immediate families in Newcastle.
Arroyo and Burns are on loan until the end of the season. Hoolahan and Ledley are also off contract.
Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna will meet with the coaching staff on Wednesday to map out a plan but the squad is likely to be given time off.
McKinna said it was natural that players would want to be close to family in such trying times.
"I think we have a duty of care to get the players back to their families where possible," McKinna said.
"That is something as a club we will be looking at. We will deal with guys individually, including the coaches.
"You can't keep people away from their families."
Robinson shared McKinna's stance.
"Generally in the world, it is changing day by day," the coach said after the 2-1 win over Melbourne City on Monday night. "Trying to keep track of things is not very nice. It is a worrying time.
"I told them to make sure you give your families, your kids, a big hug and tell them you love them.
"It is important that you are around family at this moment. I have a 17-year-old daughter who is in Canada with my wife and my son."
Under the current federal government border restrictions, anyone who leaves Australian shores must undertake a 14-day isolation on return.
The FFA are looking at extending the season if COVID-19 flattens and border restrictions are eased.
The Jets are on 24 points, three points behind sixth placed Western United, who have played a game less.
As it stands, the Jets have four games remaining.
The import players have been key figures in the club's climb up the ladder.
However, McKinna said a potential late push for the finals would not come ahead of player welfare.
"If some of the foreign boys have gone home because they have had to, we will make do with the squad we have got," he said.
McKinna praised the attitude of the players across the league for their willingness to continue playing.
"Credit to the clubs, they were all willing to come to NSW and base themselves here," McKinna said.
"Wellington have been over here for a week in isolation at Narrabeen. I don't think the clubs or the PFA players union could have worked any harder.
"Credit to everyone for working together for the good of the game."