Lukaku and Napoli warned not to expect recovery before December | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku will reportedly not return to action for Napoli earlier than December after the latest check-up on his serious thigh injury.

The centre-forward pulled up clutching his leg during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos in August and was diagnosed with a deep tear of the muscle.

He went home to Belgium for specialist treatment this week, where it was decided he would not undergo surgery, as that could further extend the time out.

Lukaku injury situation is very delicate

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli leaves the pitch after suffering an injury 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)

At the time, it had been reported the aim was to return to the field for the November 22 Serie A match against Atalanta.

However, Il Mattino and Tuttomercatoweb insist that following another check-up in Brussels, Lukaku was warned he won’t be available until December at the very earliest.

This is not a delay, but sticking to the original schedule for a full and complete recovery from a very serious injury.

His absence for three to four months is the reason Napoli signed Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United, leaving Lukaku out of their UEFA Champions League squad list.