Napoli warn they could punish Lukaku over training no-show

Napoli have opened the door to disciplinary measures against Romelu Lukaku after the club stated the striker “did not respond to today’s call-up for the resumption of training.”

The 32-year-old, who has managed only 64 minutes of competitive football this season while battling a persistent hamstring complaint, was expected back at the club’s Castel Volturno base on Tuesday following Belgium’s recent international window. Instead, Napoli say the forward remained absent without permission, prompting an unusually blunt statement released on the same afternoon.

“Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call-up for the resumption of training,” the club confirmed. “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.”

The development marks the latest twist in a campaign that has seen the former Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United striker restricted to cameo appearances since his summer move. Lukaku last week withdrew from Belgium’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico, citing the need to concentrate on rehabilitation, and elected to remain in his homeland rather than return immediately to Italy.

In a public message issued only 24 hours before Napoli’s rebuke, Lukaku insisted his commitment to the Serie A side was absolute. “I could never turn my back on Napoli,” he said. “I want nothing more than to play and make my team win.”

The forward revealed that fresh medical checks in Belgium had uncovered “inflammation and fluid in the iliopsoas muscle, near the scar tissue,” describing the setback as the second complication since his comeback in early November. “This season has been very challenging for me, between the injury and personal loss,” added Lukaku, whose father Roger passed away in September.

Napoli have declined to specify what sanctions, if any, will follow, but the phrasing of Tuesday’s communique leaves little doubt that the relationship between club and player has reached a crossroads. BBC Sport has approached Lukaku’s representatives for comment; none has yet been forthcoming.

With the 2026 World Cup looming and Belgium’s all-time leading scorer still determined to feature at a fourth finals, the coming days could prove pivotal both for Lukaku’s club future and his hopes of boarding the plane to North America next summer.