Napoli are considering disciplinary action against Romelu Lukaku after he failed to respond to the club's call-up for the resumption of training, the Serie A side announced. The club said it reserves the right to evaluate measures and the continuation of the striker's participation in the team on an indefinite basis.
Lukaku has endured a frustrating campaign due to injury problems and the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund, featuring only seven times across all competitions and scoring one goal. He has not played since March 6 in the league. The 31-year-old admitted he has been struggling psychologically for the majority of the 2025-26 season, according to a statement from the player. He also suffered a serious hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly in August, as reported by multiple sources. Additionally, Lukaku's father Roger passed away in September at age 58, according to multiple reports.
Napoli announce that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today's call-up ahead of the resumption of training. The club reserves the right to evaluate the adoption of appropriate disciplinary measures as well as the continuation of the player's participation in the team on an indefinite basis.
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte said he is 'really disappointed' in Lukaku over lack of communication. Conte said he has not spoken to Lukaku and that Lukaku did not knock on his door despite being at the training ground. 'No, I haven't had the chance yet. I know one of our directors spoke to him, he came to the training ground, my office was right there… but nobody knocked on the door - and that really disappointed me because I would have expected a greeting, a message or something,' Conte said in a press conference.
According to Italian media, Lukaku has been training individually in Belgium without Napoli's permission since leaving the international team. The same sources report that Lukaku has been warned he could be left out of the first-team squad if he does not return by Tuesday.
This season has been a lot for me from dealing with the injury and the personal loss. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it's important to clarify the whole situation. The truth is the last few weeks I wasn't feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue since it is the 2nd problem I had since coming back early November. I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help the when called upon. I think most of you saw the interview I did in Verona. There's nothing more I would love to do than play and win my team. But right now I have to make sure I am clinically 100% cause I haven't been recently and it took a toll mentally. It's been a lot this year. But in the end I will get there and help Napoli and national team to their respective objectives when called upon. That's all I want.
Lukaku returned to Italy for clear-the-air talks with Napoli, according to multiple reports. However, there is a contradiction: some sources say he is still in Belgium continuing his rehabilitation and has not returned to Italy. Italian media reported that Napoli fined Lukaku 150,000 euros for not returning immediately after leaving the national team.
Napoli sit third in the league ahead of a Serie A clash against AC Milan, according to multiple reports. Lukaku helped Napoli win the Serie A title, scoring 14 league goals.
No, I haven't had the chance yet. I know one of our directors spoke to him, he came to the training ground, my office was right there… but nobody knocked on the door - and that really disappointed me because I would have expected a greeting, a message or something. In these situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes the effort to understand the coach.
Lukaku's contract runs until summer 2027, according to the club. However, there is a contradiction: some sources say he is out of contract at the end of next season (2026). This discrepancy affects the urgency of Napoli's disciplinary action and potential transfer value.
Several uncertainties remain. It is unclear what specific disciplinary measures Napoli will take against Lukaku, and whether he will be reintegrated into the first team or sidelined for the rest of the season. The exact nature and severity of Lukaku's hip flexor injury have not been confirmed. It is also uncertain whether Lukaku actually returned to Italy for talks, and if so, why he did not meet with Conte. The impact of this situation on Napoli's title race and Lukaku's future at the club remains to be seen.
Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will always be grateful and appreciate you. Life will never be the same again. You protected and guided me like no one else could have done. I will never be the same again. The pain and tears are flowing freely. But God will give me the strength to get back up. Thank you for everything.
I haven't had the chance yet (to talk to Lukaku). I know one of our directors spoke to him and he came back to the training ground. My office is there, but nobody knocked on the door. That has really disappointed me because I expected a greeting, a message or something. In such situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes an effort to understand the coach.
SSC Napoli announces that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today's call-up to return to training. The club reserves the right to decide on appropriate disciplinary measures, as well as whether the player's activity in the squad will continue permanently.