Napoli have hinted that Romelu Lukaku may face disciplinary action after he did not take 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 friction in Italy.
Lukaku endured an injury-plagued season, not returning to competitive action until January after suffering a thigh problem during pre-season last summer. Belgium’s all-time top scorer has played just seven games for Napoli this season, playing a total of 64 minutes.
And the club released a statement on Tuesday after the 32-year-old failed to turn up at the club’s training ground.
“SSC Napoli has announced that Romelu Lukaku has not accepted today’s call-up to resume training.
“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 the pressure he experienced while dealing with his injury layoff in a social media post. The striker was forced to withdraw from Belgium’s squad for games against the United States and Mexico this month.
“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.”
“To tell you the truth, I have been feeling unwell for the past 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 flexor muscles next to the scar tissue. This is the second problem I have had since returning home in early November.” =
“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 Belgian forward spent several years plying his trade in England with United, Everton and West Brom, and played twice for Chelsea before returning to Inter Milan in 2022.
Lukaku has one year left on his contract with Napoli and has been linked with a return to Anderlecht.
