Napoli have confirmed that Romelu Lukaku did not take part in training on Tuesday. The club has announced that it will take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include freezing the striker out of the first team.
The club made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday, signaling their intention to deal harshly with Lukaku’s absence. Naples is considering several measures in response to the incident. Lukaku withdrew from the Belgium national team last week due to poor fitness. Instead of returning to Naples, he stayed in Belgium to train individually.
Read the full article
Serie A: Full coverage
“SSC Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku has not responded to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to consider taking appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team indefinitely,” Napoli said in a statement.
Earlier reports suggested Napoli would drop Lukaku from the squad if he could not return by Tuesday. However, the club’s statement suggests that the response could be more severe as legal experts in Napoli are currently examining the case.
Depending on the terms of the deal between Napoli and Lukaku, the club may even consider terminating his contract. All possible outcomes are carefully considered.
WHAT HE TOLD LUKAKU ABOUT HIS PRESENCE
Lukaku said he had inflammation and fluid in his hip flexor and decided to undergo rehabilitation in Belgium. The Belgian said he would never turn his back on Napoli and is trying to get back to full fitness.
“The truth is I haven’t been feeling well physically for the last couple of weeks and I had it checked when I was in Belgium and it turned out I have inflammation and fluid on my hip flexor next to my scar,” Lukaku said on Monday.
“Since it’s the second problem I’ve had since my return at the beginning of November, I’ve decided to rehabilitate in Belgium so I can help when I’m called upon. I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There’s nothing I’d rather do and win (with) my team. But right now I have to make sure I’m 100% clinically.”
Napoli are set to return to competitive action on Monday 6 April when they host second-placed Milan at the Stadio Maradona.
– The end
Published on:
31 March 2026 20:43 IST
