Romelu Lukaku remains in Belgium for treatment, delays Napoli return | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku is staying in Antwerp to continue a specific recovery programme, so he is not expected at Napoli’s training centre on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Belgium record scorer, with 89 goals in 124 caps, has remained in his homeland instead of returning.

The player said in a post that he would keep following his tailored rehab in Antwerp with Lieven Maesschalck, begun last week. He also mentioned the death of his father, Roger Lukaku, on 28 September 2025 aged 58, and called this the most difficult season of his life physically and emotionally.

With head coach Rudi Garcia’s agreement, he missed Belgium’s mini tour of the United States. They face Mexico in Chicago overnight from Monday to Tuesday at 3.00, after Saturday’s 5-2 win over the United States in Atlanta.

Belgian federation tests revealed persistent inflammation and fluid in his left hip flexor, an area strained while compensating for a serious right quadriceps injury in a friendly against Olympiakos early in the season. He only returned in January.

Under contract until June 2027, he underlined his respect for Napoli and Antonio Conte, adding that his sole aim is to be 100% and honour the shirt. He does not want to risk the run-in or relive the 2022 World Cup ordeal. After hamstring setbacks he featured only late against Morocco, 0-2, on 27 November 2022, then at half-time against Croatia, 0-0, on 1 December, as Belgium went out. In frustration he smashed a plexiglass panel and was consoled by Thierry Henry.

Source: L'Équipe