Napoli threaten disciplinary action against absent Romelu Lukaku

SSC Napoli have threatened Romelu Lukaku with disciplinary action after the striker failed to return to the club following the international break. The Serie A side issued a statement on Tuesday confirming they are considering sanctions and even his future with the squad, according to a club communiqué.

Lukaku, who was selected by Belgium for March fixtures, opted not to travel with the squad to the United States for friendlies. The 32-year-old, who only returned to action in January following injury, stated on social media that medical examinations had revealed a persistent inflammation and fluid in his left hip flexor. He decided to prioritize a cautious recovery regimen instead of making the transatlantic trip.

However, rather than reporting back to Napoli's training base, Lukaku remained in Antwerp to work on his fitness with Lieven Maesschalck, a physiotherapist closely associated with the Belgian national team. This decision is reported to have angered Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. The club had set an ultimatum for Lukaku to return by the time the squad reconvened for training on Tuesday.

With the player still absent, Napoli released an official note stating the club "reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary measures and to decide whether or not to keep the player within the team." This escalation marks a significant deterioration in relations between the club and their high-profile signing.

The situation adds another layer of uncertainty to Lukaku's turbulent spell in Naples, which has been hampered by injuries since his arrival. His future at the club now appears in serious doubt as the management weighs its next steps.