Romelu Lukaku is at risk of facing disciplinary measures from Napoli after the striker failed to report for training despite withdrawing from Belgium’s international duty due to injury. The Serie A champions confirmed that Lukaku did not show up when summoned back to the club’s training ground, raising concerns about his immediate future with the team.
Having pulled out of Belgium’s trip to the United States, which included World Cup warm-up matches against the U.S. and Mexico, Lukaku was expected to focus on regaining fitness. However, Italian media revealed that the forward refused to return to Napoli for rehabilitation sessions.
In an official statement, Napoli said, “The club confirms Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. Napoli reserves the right to consider appropriate disciplinary action and to decide whether the player will continue training with the squad indefinitely.”
Last season, Lukaku played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title win, scoring 14 goals. Yet, this campaign has been marred by persistent fitness struggles. He missed the first half of the season due to a hamstring injury and has only managed one league goal in five substitute appearances since his January return.
The 32-year-old striker explained his decision to remain in Belgium for treatment, citing ongoing physical issues that have hindered his ability to return to full fitness. “In recent weeks, I haven’t felt physically right and had it examined while in Belgium, which revealed inflammation and fluid on my hip flexor muscle near scar tissue,” Lukaku said on Monday.
He added, “Since this is the second problem since my early November comeback, I chose to do rehab in Belgium to be ready when called upon. I could never turn my back on Napoli; there’s nothing I want more than to play and win with my team. But right now, I must ensure I am 100% clinically fit.”
Currently, Napoli sit third in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter Milan by seven points. Their next fixture is a home match against second-placed AC Milan on Monday.
