MILAN (AP) — Romelu Lukaku is in the spotlight this week at Napoli. But not in a good way.
Lukaku missed Tuesday’s training and the club also issued a strong statement It said “appropriate disciplinary action” could be taken against the forward. That includes excluding him from the first team.
Whatever happens, Lukaku is unlikely to miss Monday’s crucial Serie A game against AC Milan, in the battle for second place.
Lukaku missed the first half of the season due to injury. Severe thigh injury He remained in Belgium for medical reasons after the national team doctor discovered a muscle problem that had not been diagnosed at Napoli, but claims he remained on the bench for the club’s last two games.
Lukaku added in a post on social media: “This is the second problem I’ve had since returning at the beginning of November, so I’ve decided to rehab in Belgium.” “I could never turn my back on Napoli.
“There’s nothing I want more than to play with the team and win…but right now I have to make sure that I’m 100% clinically, because lately I haven’t been and this has also affected me mentally…but in the end I’ll succeed and if I’m called up I’ll help Napoli and the national team achieve their goals. That’s all I want.”
Lukaku headed to Belgium to join the national team, but was forced to leave. withdraw from the team And he did not go to the United States for the friendly match between the United States and Mexico.
Napoli and Belgium teammate Kevin De Bruyne could try to ease tensions between Lukaku and Napoli.
De Bruyne said after Wednesday’s draw with Mexico: “When I get back to the club, I’ll get more updates. I’ll try to help if I need it.”
major matches
Milan are in second place, one point behind third-place Napoli.
The Rossoneri are six points behind league leaders Inter Milan, who face a tough clash with Champions League chasers Roma on Sunday.
Roma are level on points with fifth-placed Juventus, with Como in the final Champions League spot.
Juventus host Genoa on Monday, just after Como visit Udinese.
Featured players
The Italian players will have to quickly recover from the disappointment of the match. unable to obtain qualifications To participate in the World Cup for the third consecutive year.
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni He became the face of the latest disaster after receiving a red card during the match. Lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup playoffs on Tuesday.
Fortunately for Bastoni, his first game back will be at the San Siro, where Inter fans will be able to drown out the boos from other supporters.
Activity suspended
Fiorentina forward Moise Kean is doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Hellas Verona after being substituted minutes after scoring Italy’s opening goal against Bosnia. Two minutes after his goal, Keane appeared to twist his ankle while going off the ball.
Inter have Carlos Augusto suspended, while Roma are without star forward Paulo Dybala after undergoing knee surgery.
off the field
of San Siro sale Milan’s move to the club has been mired in further controversy after Italy’s financial police raided city council offices this week in an investigation into the 200 million euro deal.
Computers and mobile phones were among the items seized, and nine people were investigated on suspicion of bid rigging and collusion.
Inter and Milan completed the purchase of the 99-year-old stadium and surrounding area in November, paving the way for the club’s new development. Destroy and build together a new 71,500-seat arena;
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