Liam Duckstein
Napoli Threatens Disciplinary Action Against Romelu Lukaku Following Training Absence
Romelu Lukaku faces potential disciplinary measures from Napoli after failing to report to the club’s training ground, despite citing injury as the reason for withdrawing from Belgium‘s international matches. The Serie A champions confirmed the striker’s no-show on Tuesday, signaling serious consequences ahead.
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Lukaku had withdrawn from Belgium‘s trip to the United States to focus on his fitness, missing World Cup warm-up fixtures against the U.S. and Mexico. Italian media reported that he declined to return to Napoli‘s training facility for rehabilitation work.
The club released an official statement: “Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to consider taking the appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team for an indefinite period.”
Lukaku’s Fitness Battle
The 32-year-old striker contributed 14 goals last season to guide Napoli to the Serie A title but has endured a troubled campaign marred by recurring injuries. A hamstring problem sidelined him for the first half of the season, and since his return in January, he has managed just one league goal across five substitute appearances.
Lukaku defended his choice to receive treatment in Belgium, explaining his physical complications in a Monday statement: “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 that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue.”
“Since it is the second problem I had since coming back early November, I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help when called upon. I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There’s nothing more I would love to do than play and win (with) my team. But right now I have to make sure I am clinically a 100%.”
Critical Period for Napoli
Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, seven points adrift of leaders Inter Milan. The team hosts second-placed AC Milan on Monday in a crucial fixture as they attempt to close the gap at the top of the table.
Follow TipsGG for the latest updates on this developing situation and Napoli‘s response to Lukaku‘s absence.