Napoli may discipline Romelu Lukaku after the striker reportedly ignored a call to attend training.
The 32-year-old has missed much of the season with a hamstring injury and has not started any games this year. Last week, Lukaku withdrew from Belgium’s squad for friendlies against the USA and Mexico to focus on his fitness.
Napoli expected him to return to Italy, but the club says Lukaku did not show up for training on Tuesday.
“Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call-up for the resumption of training,” Napoli stated. “The club reserves the right to decide whether to take appropriate disciplinary action, as well as whether to continue the player’s activity with the squad on a permanent basis.”
Lukaku has played just 64 minutes of football this season. The ex-Inter Milan forward has 124 caps for Belgium and is aiming to appear at a fourth World Cup this summer. He is also Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals.
On Monday, Lukaku insisted he remains committed to Napoli. “I could never turn my back on Napoli,” he said. “I want nothing more than to play and help my team win.”
He added that this season has been difficult due to injury and the loss of his father, Roger, in September. “I know there has been a lot of noise over the last few days about my situation, and it is important to clarify everything,” Lukaku said.
Lukaku explained that he has faced recurring issues with his iliopsoas muscle near scar tissue, which led him to continue rehabilitation in Belgium to ensure he is fully ready when called upon.
