{
        struct r8152 *tp = container_of(work, struct r8152, schedule.work);
 
+       /* If the device is unplugged or !netif_running(), the workqueue
+        * doesn't need to wake the device, and could return directly.
+        */
+       if (test_bit(RTL8152_UNPLUG, &tp->flags) || !netif_running(tp->netdev))
+               return;
+
        if (usb_autopm_get_interface(tp->intf) < 0)
                return;
 
        if (!test_bit(WORK_ENABLE, &tp->flags))
                goto out1;
 
-       if (test_bit(RTL8152_UNPLUG, &tp->flags))
-               goto out1;
-
        if (!mutex_trylock(&tp->control)) {
                schedule_delayed_work(&tp->schedule, 0);
                goto out1;