Romelu Lukaku could face disciplinary action from Napoli after the striker did not report for training despite withdrawing from international duty with injury.
The club confirmed on Tuesday that Lukaku did not respond to a request to return to the training ground. Napoli stated that it may take appropriate disciplinary measures and will decide whether the player will continue training with the squad.
In an official statement, Napoli said: “Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training.”
The club added: “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Lukaku had withdrawn from Belgium’s recent fixtures in the United States, where the national team faced the U.S. and Mexico in preparation matches. The striker chose to remain in Belgium to continue his rehabilitation. Reports in Italian media indicated that the player did not return to the club for treatment.
Lukaku addressed the situation by explaining that he has been managing ongoing physical issues. He said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Lukaku also said: “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%.”
The striker played a role in Napoli’s Serie A title winning campaign last season, scoring 14 goals. However, his current season has been affected by injuries. He missed the first half of the campaign with a hamstring problem and has made five substitute appearances since returning in January, scoring once.
Napoli are currently third in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Inter Milan. They are scheduled to face second placed AC Milan in their next league match.
The situation leaves uncertainty over Lukaku’s short term availability as Napoli continue their league campaign.
