Napoli's Lukaku faces consequences after failing to return from Belgium
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has confirmed that striker Romelu Lukaku will face consequences for failing to return to the club after the international break. Manna, speaking to DAZN ahead of Napoli's match against AC Milan, stated that Lukaku was summoned but chose to remain in Belgium, where he is working with his physiotherapists to recover from an injury. The club expects the player to return to Italy next week.
Manna expressed clear dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that while Lukaku's stated reason was to focus on rehabilitation, his absence was not welcomed. "We summoned him because we wanted to meet with him here in Naples, we are not happy that he did not return," Manna said. He stressed the paramount importance of group integrity, stating the focus must remain on the players available for selection. However, he left no doubt about the impending fallout, adding, "Romelu knows there will be consequences."
The incident casts a shadow over Lukaku's future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, just months after his high-profile loan move from Chelsea. The Belgian international has a mixed record in Serie A, having previously excelled at Inter Milan but now finding himself at the center of a disciplinary issue at Napoli. His tenure in Naples has been inconsistent, with flashes of his powerful attacking play interrupted by injuries and now this breach of club protocol.
Meanwhile, in the same broadcast, AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare discussed his team's ambitions ahead of the crucial Serie A clash. He highlighted the importance of securing a victory to solidify their position in a tightened league table. When asked about Napoli's attacking duo of Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Füllkrug, Tare acknowledged their quality but pointed to the depth of his own squad as a key strength for manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Tare also addressed the situation of Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, whose future is often a subject of speculation. He dismissed any notion of an imminent departure, citing Leao's recurring injury problems as the primary barrier to consistent performance. "He has a contract for another two years and remains a very important player for Milan," Tare affirmed, noting Leao was available for selection against Napoli. The contrasting statements from the two directors underscore Lukaku's precarious standing at Napoli compared to the affirmed value of key players at rival clubs, setting the stage for a potentially tense resolution upon his return to Italy.
