Romelu Lukaku to face disciplinary measures following absence from Napoli training session.
Romelu Lukaku is at risk of facing disciplinary measures at Napoli after not returning to training.
The forward withdrew from the Belgium squad for friendly matches against the United States and Mexico in North America but returned to his home country for medical treatment.
Lukaku has participated in only seven matches this season, all as a substitute, after being sidelined for the initial part of the campaign due to a significant hamstring injury.
A statement from Napoli released on Tuesday afternoon stated: “SSC Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training.
“The club retains the right to consider implementing appropriate disciplinary measures, as well as to decide whether the player will continue training with the team for an indefinite period.”
Lukaku clarified his choice to travel to Belgium in an Instagram post on Monday.
The 32-year-old former Chelsea and Manchester United player, who joined Napoli in 2024, wrote: “The truth is that in recent weeks I haven’t felt physically well, and I had it examined while I was in Belgium, which revealed inflammation and fluid on my hip flexor muscle adjacent to my scar tissue.
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“Since this is the second issue I have encountered since returning in early November, I opted to undergo rehabilitation in Belgium.”
Lukaku emphasized that his future is still in Italy, stating: “I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There is nothing more I would love to do than play and win [for] my team.
“However, at this moment, I must ensure that I am 100% physically fit, as I have not been recently, and it has affected me mentally.”
Napoli currently holds the third position in the Serie A standings, trailing leaders Inter Milan by seven points.
