Key Takeaways:
- Romelu Lukaku remained in Belgium during the international break, training individually without Napoli’s authorisation
- Lukaku has only managed seven appearances and 64 minutes of club football heading into April of the 2025-26 season
- The Belgian striker cited injury setbacks and mental strain as reasons for his difficulties this year
Lukaku’s Season Marred by Injury and Limited Playing Time
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top scorer, has spoken out following his decision to miss Napoli training sessions during the international break. The striker revealed that he has not felt at full capacity for much of the 2025-26 campaign, citing both physical and mental challenges.
Italian sources indicated that Napoli were dissatisfied after Lukaku chose to remain in Belgium, working on his recovery independently and reportedly without the club’s approval. The 31-year-old has had a disappointing season, entering April with just seven appearances and accumulating only 64 minutes of action for Napoli.
🚨🇧🇪 Romelu Lukaku: "This season has been a been a lot for me from dealing with the injury and the personal loss.. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it's important to clarify the whole situation."
"The truth is the last few weeks,… pic.twitter.com/OwgZRwGKad
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 30, 2026
Injury Setbacks and Squad Competition
Lukaku’s difficulties began after sustaining an injury in Napoli’s final pre-season friendly, which resulted in an extended absence until January. Since returning, he has struggled to recapture full match fitness and has not managed to secure a regular place ahead of Rasmus Hojlund in the Napoli line-up.
Lukaku’s Explanation: Social Media Statement
Lukaku, who is set to remain in Belgium through the rest of the international period, shared a detailed explanation on his Instagram story, describing his physical and mental state this season. He cited a recent assessment in Belgium which found inflammation and fluid in his hip flexor, linked to prior scar tissue, as a major factor limiting his fitness. Lukaku also addressed the emotional burden he has faced and his desire to return to full health to help Napoli and the Belgian national team achieve their goals.
Direct statement from Lukaku:
“This season has been a lot for me from dealing with the injury and the personal loss. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it’s important to clarify the whole situation,” the statement read.
“The truth is the last few weeks I wasn’t feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue since it is the 2nd problem I had since coming back early November.
“I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help the when called upon. I think most of you saw the interview I did in Verona. There’s nothing more I would love to do than play and win my team. But right now I have to male sure I am clinically 100% cause I haven’t been recently and it took a toll mentally.
“It’s been a lot this year. But in the end I will get there and help Napoli and national team to their respective objectives when called upon. That’s all I want.”
