Napoli will be without Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku for an extended period after he sustained a serious thigh injury during pre-season, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old picked up the injury in their final pre-season friendly against Olympiacos last Thursday, forcing him off in the 33rd minute to be replaced by Lorenzo Lucca.
The Italian champions confirmed that Lukaku has suffered a “high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh” and has already begun rehabilitation. The club added that surgery could be required depending on the progress of his recovery.
Injuries of this nature typically demand six to ten weeks of rehabilitation for a Grade 2 tear. However, a Grade 3 rupture usually requires surgery and can sideline players for three to six months.
Lukaku medical update 👇https://t.co/Iqm1gFZZPX
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) August 18, 2025
Lukaku was a key figure for Napoli last season, and the former Manchester United and Chelsea forward netted 14 goals as the Partenopei stormed to the Serie A title – their second league crown in three years.
Antonio Conte’s men begin their title defence away at Sassuolo on Saturday but will have to do so without their leading striker. Reports suggest Napoli are already exploring attacking reinforcements, with Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund among the names being considered.
