Romelu Lukaku will return to Napoli on Monday after spending five weeks in Belgium recovering from persistent injuries, the club confirmed [1].
The 32-year-old forward, who will turn 33 later this month, was fined and docked 20% of his monthly salary after he failed to rejoin Napoli following the March international break, choosing instead to stay in Belgium for treatment [1]. Lukaku did return to Naples on April 20 but was granted permission to continue his physiotherapy in Belgium [1].
Napoli coach Antonio Conte expressed disappointment that Lukaku did not personally contact him upon his return. "I didn't have a chance to talk to him. I know that one of our directors did," Conte said. "Lukaku came to the training centre. My office is there, but no one knocked on my door. That really hurt me. I expected a greeting, a message or something like that... I hadn't expected this situation" [1].
Lukaku has made six substitute appearances for Napoli this season, scoring one goal in February during a match against Verona [1]. He is Belgium’s national team record goalscorer with 89 goals in 124 caps, last playing internationally in June 2023 [1].
Belgium is placed in Group G at the upcoming World Cup alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand [1].
Lukaku’s return to Napoli on May 5 marks a key step as he aims to regain full fitness ahead of the tournament.