Napoli announced that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to the club's call-up ahead of the resumption of training, prompting the Serie A side to reserve the right to evaluate disciplinary measures and the continuation of the player's participation in the team on an indefinite basis. The club confirmed that Lukaku was fined for his unauthorized absence, though the specific amount has not been disclosed. The statement, issued by Napoli, said: "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." This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the striker and the club, raising questions about his future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Antonio Conte, Napoli's head coach, expressed his disappointment over the situation, revealing that he has not had a chance to talk to Lukaku. Speaking in a press conference, Conte said: "I haven't had a chance to talk to him. I know that one of our directors did, and he came to the training centre. My office is there, but no one knocked on my door. That disappointed me. I had expected a greeting, a message or something like that. In these kinds of situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes an effort to understand the coach. I hadn't expected this situation." Conte's comments highlight a breakdown in communication between player and coach, with reports suggesting that Lukaku may have met with sporting director Giovanni Manna but not with Conte himself. The contradiction between reports of a meeting and Conte's denial underscores the strained relationship, leaving the exact nature of their interaction unclear.
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.
According to Lukaku via Instagram, he has been struggling psychologically for the majority of the 2025-26 season. He has featured only seven times across all competitions this season, scoring one goal, and has not played since March 6 in the league, according to multiple reports. The Belgian striker also revealed that he has an inflammation and liquid on his hip flexor muscle next to scar tissue, an injury that has hampered his performance. In a social media post, Lukaku explained: "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. It showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue since it is the second problem I have had since coming back in early November." The injury has taken a toll mentally, as Lukaku admitted, and his limited playing time has further compounded his difficulties.
Lukaku's father Roger passed away in September 2025 at age 58, according to multiple media reports, adding a personal tragedy to the player's challenging season. The striker chose to do rehabilitation in Belgium to be able to help when called upon, as he stated on Instagram: "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 for my team. But right now I have to make sure I am clinically 100 per cent because I haven't been recently and it took a toll mentally." This decision to train away from the club appears to have been unauthorized, as Napoli's disciplinary action suggests, though the exact permissions granted remain unclear. The combination of personal loss and physical setbacks has clearly affected Lukaku's form and commitment, leading to the current impasse.
I haven't had a chance to talk to him. I know that one of our directors did, and he came to the training centre. My office is there, but no one knocked on my door. That disappointed me. I had expected a greeting, a message or something like that. In these kinds of situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes an effort to understand the coach. I hadn't expected this situation.
Napoli currently sit third in the league ahead of a crucial Serie A clash against AC Milan, according to multiple reports, and the uncertainty surrounding Lukaku's availability could impact their title aspirations. Lukaku's contract with Napoli runs until summer 2027, according to sources, meaning the club has a long-term investment at stake. The disciplinary measures Napoli may take remain unspecified, and it is unknown whether Lukaku will be reintegrated into the first team or sidelined for the remainder of the season. The exact nature and severity of his hip injury are also unclear, as is whether he had permission to train in Belgium. This incident adds a layer of complexity to Napoli's season, as they seek to maintain their position in the league while managing a high-profile player dispute.
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. It showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue since it is the second problem I have had since coming back in 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 for my team. But right now I have to make sure I am clinically 100 per cent because I haven't been recently and it took a toll mentally.