De Bruyne vows comeback, Lukaku to return by December | OneFootball

The revelations of Geert Lambaerts (HLN) about Napoli: De Bruyne and Lukaku in the spotlight

From Belgium, Lambaerts reveals: “De Bruyne promised De Laurentiis to come back stronger. Lukaku expected to return by December”

Belgian journalist Geert Lambaerts, correspondent for HLN, spoke on Radio Napoli Centrale, providing important updates on Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both recovering from injuries that have caused great concern for Napoli.

Lambaerts revealed a significant backstory about the relationship between De Bruyne and president Aurelio De Laurentiis, reporting a promise the midfielder made to the club's number one after undergoing surgery in Antwerp.

De Bruyne and the promise to president De Laurentiis

“Kevin spoke directly with De Laurentiis right after the operation,” Lambaerts recounted. “He promised him that he would return to the field stronger than before, aiming to be decisive in the second part of the season. He is very motivated and is facing rehabilitation with an exemplary attitude.”

The former Manchester City star, operated on his right hamstring after the injury sustained against Inter, is undergoing the first phase of recovery in Belgium under the supervision of Professor Maesschalck and Napoli's team doctor, Dr. Raffaele Canonico.

“Napoli has shown great support for the player,” Lambaerts added. “The presence of Dr. Canonico during the surgery has strengthened the sense of trust and belonging that De Bruyne feels towards the club. The shared goal is to see him back on the field by March 2026.”

Lukaku, the latest on his return

In addition to De Bruyne, Lambaerts also provided updates on Romelu Lukaku, another key player sidelined due to a muscle problem.

“Romelu is recovering well and the signs are encouraging,” the journalist specified. “The medical staff plans a gradual return, aiming to have him available between late November and early December. They don’t want to take risks, as Lukaku remains a fundamental element in Conte’s technical project.”

Napoli, therefore, aims to welcome back two key players for the second part of the season, at a crucial moment when the team is trying to consolidate its position in the Champions League zone and compete on multiple fronts.

Napoli, confidence and planning: Conte's choices

Antonio Conte, who in recent weeks has had to reinvent the team's offensive setup, considers both De Bruyne and Lukaku central to his technical plan for 2026.

“Conte has full confidence in the work of the medical staff,” Lambaerts concluded. “He knows that the physical and mental recovery of the two Belgians will be decisive for facing the toughest part of the season. In Belgium, there is much talk about Napoli, and everyone recognizes how professionally the club is managing these situations.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.