Napoli’s preparations for the new Serie A season have been hit with a major setback as star striker Romelu Lukaku suffered a
thigh injury that could sideline him for weeks—or even months.
How the Injury Happened
The Belgian forward was forced off during Napoli’s 2–1 friendly win over Olympiacos last Thursday.
Initial scans revealed a serious problem in his left thigh muscle, raising fears of a potential long-term absence.
Napoli’s Medical Update
On Monday, Napoli confirmed that Lukaku has already begun rehabilitation. However, the club is awaiting further consultations to determine whether
surgery will be required. Crucially, no official timeline has been provided for his return, leaving fans and management in suspense.
Impact on Napoli’s Season
This injury comes at the worst possible time for the defending Serie A champions. Napoli are set to open their campaign against Sassuolo this weekend,
but Lukaku is now a major doubt. Signed as a marquee addition to strengthen their attack,
his absence could heavily impact the club’s title defense and Champions League ambitions.
Belgium Also Concerned
The situation is equally worrying for Belgium’s national team. With crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled in
September, October, and November, Lukaku’s fitness is a huge concern for coach Domenico Tedesco, who relies on the striker as the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
What’s Next?
Whether or not Lukaku undergoes surgery will decide the length of his absence.
Napoli and Belgium fans will be anxiously awaiting updates, hoping the injury doesn’t derail both club and country’s ambitions in the months ahead.