Romelu Lukaku returns to Napoli training ahead of Champions League clash against Copenhagen | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku has handed Napoli a major boost by returning to training just days before their crucial Champions League clash at FC Copenhagen.

Lukaku suffered a high‑grade muscle injury during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on August 14, which forced him to miss the entire first half of the campaign.

He stepped up his recovery in early December by taking part in his first collective session since mid-August at Castel Volturno.

Despite this, he was deemed unready for the Champions League trip to Benfica, but has since made steady progress.

“Romelu has worked fully with the team over the last two or three days – he’s recovered,” Napoli’s head of medical staff, Dr Raffaele Canonico, told Radio Crc (h/t journalist Gianluca Di Marzio).

“Then the coach will decide when he’ll be ready to play after a long lay-off. “

Napoli have activated a special UEFA provision to replace long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne with Lukaku on their Champions League squad list.

He is now eligible for the upcoming fixtures against Copenhagen and Chelsea.

Napoli have had an underwhelming campaign on the continental scene, winning just two of their six outings.

The Partenopei head to Copenhagen with their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, currently sitting 23rd out of 32 teams in the standings.

Antonio Conte’s men have little margin for error if they are to avoid a group-stage exit, and Lukaku’s return is a welcome development.