Romelu Lukaku facing uncertain future at Napoli after failing to report for training
Romelu Lukaku's relationship with Napoli has broken down
Romelu Lukaku is facing an uncertain future at Napoli after failing to return to training today.
The 32-year-old was expected back in Naples after pulling out of the Belgium squad for the international friendlies against the United States and Mexico due to injury.
But his no-show prompted an angry reaction from the Serie A club with a statement reading: “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.”
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Napoli star Lukaku plagued by injury problems
Lukaku has played for just 40 minutes this season, spanning five appearances, scoring once for a Napoli side in third place in the Italian top flight.
It is a far cry from his crucial contribution to the club’s Scudetto-winning campaign of last season when he netted 14 times.
The former Inter Milan and Chelsea striker defended his decision to remain in Belgium over the international break rather than receive treatment at his club.
Speaking yesterday, prior to Napoli’s statement, he posted on social media: “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 100%.”
Lukaku set to leave Napoli at the end of the season
Lukaku’s contract at Napoli expires next summer but it likely the club will try to move him on at the end of the season.
He has been linked with Barcelona as they contemplate alternatives to Robert Lewandowski but it is unlikely the Catalans would be willing to pay the wages of a player with such lengthy injury problems.
A more feasible scenario would see Lukaku move to a club in either Saudi Arabia or Qatar.