Lukaku returns to Belgium, decides against surgery and targets early Napoli return | OneFootball

Thursday’s reports indicate that Romelu Lukaku is pushing to be available as swiftly as possible for Napoli after picking up an injury in the club’s final pre-season friendly in the summer, as the Belgian returns to his homeland to work on his recovery.

Lukaku was forced off injured during a pre-season friendly between Napoli and Olympiacos in August. That was Antonio Conte’s final test of the summer before the start of the 2025-26 Serie A campaign.

It was later confirmed that Lukaku had suffered a significant injury to his thigh, which was initially expected to keep him out of action for a period of three to four months.

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

The situation left summer signing Lorenzo Lucca as the only fit and available centre-forward in the Partenopei squad, which led the club to the signing of Rasmus Hojlund on loan with a potential obligation to buy at the end of the summer transfer window.

Where Lukaku stands in injury recovery

According to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lukaku is currently in Belgium to work on his recovery, while remaining in close contact with the medical team in Naples.

epa12016519 Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku warms up ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli, in Bologna, Italy, 07 April 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

He has not been included in Napoli’s Champions League squad for the first half of the season as a result of his injury, but the Pink Paper claims that Big Rom is pushing to be available to Conte by November. Specifically, the Serie A clash against Atalanta on September 22 is the current target.

Thursday’s report claims that Lukaku opted out of having surgery, as he felt that doing so would have prolonged his lay-off time.