Napoli set Lukaku December 18 date for likely comeback after serious injury

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)

Romelu Lukaku has been out of action since pre-season and Napoli do not want to rush his recovery, so are reportedly aiming for a return in the Supercoppa Italiana on December 18.

The centre-forward sustained a major lesion of the muscles in his left thigh during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on August 14.

It was immediately clear that this was serious, and would require three to four months on the treatment table.

Lukaku not going to rush return

Although there was some hope that he could recover for the end of November, La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sport Mediaset suggest Napoli medical staff are erring on the side of caution.

They have reportedly set the target date of a return to the field for the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against AC Milan on December 18.

That Final Four tournament will be played in Saudi Arabia, with the other semi-final between Bologna and his old club Inter.

The winners then face off against each other to see who lifts the trophy.