Napoli are reportedly preparing to take disciplinary action against Romelu Lukaku after the striker failed to report for training, intensifying tensions between the club and the Belgian forward.
The situation escalated after Lukaku withdrew from Belgium’s international fixtures in the United States, where they faced the USA and Mexico, citing injury concerns.
However, instead of returning to Naples for rehabilitation, the 32-year-old remained in Belgium: sparking frustration within the club.
Napoli quickly responded, confirming the striker’s absence and hinting at possible consequences as the situation continues to unfold.
“Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training,” Napoli said in a statement.
“The club reserves the right to consider taking the appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team for an indefinite period.”
As the saga gathers pace, Lukaku has moved to clarify his position, pointing to ongoing fitness struggles as the reason behind his decision.
The striker, who played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph last season with 14 goals, has endured a difficult campaign marked by recurring injuries.
After missing a large part of the season with a hamstring issue, Lukaku has struggled to regain rhythm, managing just one league goal in limited appearances since his return in January.
Now, in a bid to get back to full fitness, he has opted to continue treatment in Belgium rather than rejoin his club immediately.
“The truth is the last few weeks I wasn’t feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue,” Lukaku said on Monday.
“Since it is the second problem I had since coming back early November, I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help when called upon.
“I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There’s nothing more I would love to do than play and win (with) my team. But right now I have to make sure I am clinically a 100%.”
Meanwhile, Napoli remain firmly in the Serie A title race, sitting third and chasing leaders Inter Milan.
With a high-stakes clash against AC Milan on the horizon, the club will be hoping to resolve the Lukaku situation swiftly and refocus on their push at the top.
As pressure mounts both on and off the pitch, this developing story could prove decisive for both Lukaku’s future and the Serie A side’s season trajectory.
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