Blow for Napoli as Lukaku faces fresh setback – Football Italia

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)

Napoli have suffered another setback in their attempts to reintegrate Romelu Lukaku, with the striker still not ready to return to action after a lengthy and frustrating injury layoff.

More than four months on from the muscle injury sustained during pre-season, Lukaku’s recovery continues to be delayed, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Despite brief optimism surrounding his recent call-up and travel to Riyadh, the Belgian is not yet able to step up his workload, and a return remains off the table for the coming weeks.

Medical caution is once again dictating Napoli’s approach. Lukaku is still dealing with a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris in his left thigh, and club staff are unwilling to take risks after such a prolonged absence.

As a result, his availability for upcoming fixtures has been ruled out, with even a late-January comeback considered uncertain.

Lukaku setback makes for interesting Napoli January

The situation has inevitable knock-on effects for Napoli’s January planning. Antonio Conte had hoped Lukaku’s return would stabilise the attacking rotation, but his continued absence forces further reflection.

Rasmus Højlund remains the reference point in attack, while the club must now decide whether additional cover is required during a decisive stretch of the season.

Napoli’s initial January priority had been midfield reinforcement, but encouraging signs from André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s recovery have eased that urgency. With Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay and Piotr Zieliński providing depth, the focus may now shift toward attacking insurance if Lukaku’s recovery drags on.

The club are operating under tight financial constraints, limiting options to loans or exchanges.

Any move will depend on clarity over Lukaku’s timeline, as well as decisions regarding squad players such as Lorenzo Lucca.

For now, Napoli’s priority remains patience. Lukaku’s rehabilitation continues under close supervision, but the reality is clear: his long-awaited return has been delayed once more, complicating Conte’s plans at a crucial point in the campaign.