Napoli threaten absent Lukaku with disciplinary action
Lukaku, who has had a season severely disrupted by injuries, withdrew last Tuesday from Belgium's World Cup warm-up friendlies against tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States.
Belgium's forward #10 Romelu Lukaku (R) controls the ball in the air during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J European qualification football match between Belgium and Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 9, 2025. AFP PHOTO
Napoli threatened Romelu Lukaku with disciplinary action on Tuesday after he decided to stay in Belgium for treatment on a hip injury.
"Romelu Lukaku has not responded to our call to return to training," said Napoli in a statement.
"The club reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary measures, as well as to review the player's continued involvement with the squad."
Lukaku, who has had a season severely disrupted by injuries, withdrew last Tuesday from Belgium's World Cup warm-up friendlies against tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States.
The centre-forward explained on Monday that he had inflammation and liquid on his hip flexor muscle.
"I chose to do the rehab in Belgium... (But) I could never turn my back on Napoli, never," said Lukaku.
Having suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season, Lukaku did not return to competitive action until January this year.
He has made just seven appearances for the Serie A champions in all competitions this term as they have endured a tough title defence -- Napoli currently trail league leaders Inter Milan by seven points.
Napoli host second-placed AC Milan on Easter Monday hoping to leapfrog the seven-time European champions in the league standings.