Former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is recovering from injury during the international break
Romelu Lukaku did not appear at Napoli’s training on Tuesday (Image: 2026 Ciancaphoto Studio)
Napoli have indicated they will penalize Romelu Lukaku for not taking part in training on Tuesday. The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton striker is still recovering from an injury sustained during his international break in March, but the decision has caused tension in Italy.
Lukaku endured an injury-plagued season, not returning to competitive action until January after suffering a thigh problem during preseason last summer. Belgium’s all-time top scorer has made just seven appearances for Napoli this season, playing just 64 minutes for the Serie A champions.
And the club released a statement on Tuesday after the 32-year-old failed to turn up at the club’s training ground.
read more: BREAKING: Tottenham confirm tearful financial losses as latest results reveal disappointing resultsread more: Chelsea star Marc Cucurella accuses Premier League referee Paul Tierney of a ‘lack of respect’
“SSC Napoli has announced that Romelu Lukaku has not accepted today’s call-up to resume training.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more, visit our Mirror Football Facebook page
“The club reserves the right to decide whether to take appropriate disciplinary action and whether to permanently continue the player’s activities with the team.”
Lukaku recently revealed in a social media post the strain he has experienced while dealing with an injury layoff. The forward was forced to withdraw from Belgium’s squad for games against the United States and Mexico this month.
Lukaku missed most of the season due to injury (Image: Getty Images)
“This season has been a lot for me, including dealing with injuries and personal losses. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation over the past few days, and it’s important that I clarify the entire situation.”
“Actually, I’ve been feeling unwell for the last few weeks and when I was in Belgium I had some tests done and they found that I had inflammation and fluid in my hip flexors next to the scar tissue. This is the second problem I’ve had since returning in early November.”
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
“I decided to rehab in Belgium because I can help the team when I’m called up. There’s nothing I want more than to play and win with the team. But now I have to make sure I’m 100% because I haven’t been lately and it was mentally taxing.”
“A lot has happened this year, but in the end, if I’m asked to, I’ll get there and help Napoli and the national team achieve their goals. That’s all I want.”
The striker spent several years in England with spells at United, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, before returning to Inter Milan in 2022 after two years at Chelsea.
Lukaku has one year left on his contract with Napoli and has been linked with a return to Belgium with Anderlecht.
