Romelu Lukaku, a 32-year-old forward, reportedly did not return to training with Napoli in Naples, Italy, as requested by the club. Napoli announced on its website that Lukaku did not respond to a call to return to training and that the club reserves the right to decide on appropriate disciplinary measures and whether his activity with the squad will continue permanently. Lukaku joined Napoli in the summer of 2024 and has scored one goal in seven competitive matches this season.
He was called up to the Belgian national team but did not play in matches against the USA and Mexico. According to reports, he stayed in Belgium for rehabilitation due to an inflammation in his hip flexor, which he disclosed on Instagram, stating he has not been physically well recently and that this has affected him mentally. Italian media, including Sky Sport Italia, report that Napoli is expected to take action against Lukaku for not appearing at training, with reports suggesting he may be frozen out of the team.
He wrote on Instagram that he has had an inflammation in his hip flexor and needed to be fully ready, which he said has affected him mentally.