Napoli Expresses Displeasure as Romelu Lukaku Remains in Belgium Without Club Consent
Napoli is reportedly upset and considering disciplinary action against striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international has chosen to continue his rehabilitation in Belgium until next week, a decision made without the club's authorization.
Lukaku failed to return to Naples as scheduled for training this morning. Multiple Italian news outlets, including Sky, Il Mattino, and Repubblica, reported that he was expected back at the club's training facility. This was after he had informed Belgium national team coach Rudi Garcia that he was not fit for upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the USMNT, indicating a need for more recovery time.
According to Sky, Lukaku has expressed an unwillingness to return to Naples before the following week. He was anticipated to resume training today under Cristian Stellini, assistant to Antonio Conte, as Conte himself is currently on a short break and will return to Naples in the coming days.
Instead, Lukaku opted to stay in Antwerp. He is working on his full recovery at the same clinic where his compatriot and teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, recently underwent treatment.
The 32-year-old striker sustained a significant muscle injury during pre-season in August. This season, he has only managed 64 minutes of play across seven appearances, scoring one goal.
Repubblica further suggests that Napoli may indeed pursue disciplinary measures against their forward for his unilateral decision to remain in Belgium without the club's explicit permission.
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