Lukaku avoids surgery, but Napoli lose star for 3-4 months | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku will not need to undergo surgery for his thigh injury, but is still expected to be out for three to four months.

The Belgium international pulled up clutching the back of his left thigh during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on August 14.

There were fears that it might be a tear so bad that it would require an operation to help the healing process, which if confirmed would’ve meant considerably longer out of action.

Lukaku injury still extremely serious

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)

He visited a specialist today and the feedback was positive, so he will not need to go under the knife.

However, Sky Sport Italia still report that the likely time required to completely heal is still in the region of three to four months.

Lukaku is therefore expected to be left out of the squad list for the Champions League opening phase.

This news could also affect Napoli’s decision to go back on the transfer market this summer for a new centre-forward.

The 32-year-old was a key figure in their Scudetto victory last season thanks to his 14 goals and 10 assists in 36 Serie A appearances.