Napoli announces Romelu Lukaku has a thigh injury, potentially requiring surgery

Lukaku has begun a rehabilitation program and will undergo a surgical consultation to evaluate the potential for surgery.

Napoli, the Serie A champions, announced that their star striker, Romelu Lukaku, had suffered a serious thigh injury during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on Thursday, 14 August.

The Belgian international could potentially require surgery and be out of action for a significant period of time.

According to an official statement released by the club, Lukaku underwent medical examinations at the Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh.

‘Lukaku has begun a rehabilitation programme and will undergo a surgical consultation to evaluate the potential for surgery,’ the club announced on its official website on Monday.

According to a report from Football Italia, this injury could keep Lukaku out until November 2025, which would be a significant setback for Napoli, who are set to begin their Serie A title defence against Sassuolo on Saturday (23/8).

Meanwhile, The Straits Times reported that the 32-year-old Belgian striker, who scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in Serie A last season, is likely to miss several important matches, including the World Cup qualifiers for the Belgian national team in September, October, and November.

According to Yahoo Sports, Napoli are currently looking for a temporary striker in the transfer market, with Joshua Zirkzee, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Artem Dovbyk and Nikola Krstovic said to be on coach Antonio Conte’s wish list.

The injury has also forced Napoli to accelerate their transfer plans; they had previously brought in Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese as an additional forward.

Lukaku was a key player in Napoli’s success in winning the Scudetto last season, so his absence presents a major challenge for Conte’s team.