Napoli faces a growing standoff with striker Romelu Lukaku, who has reportedly refused to return from Belgium. This decision stems from a shared dissatisfaction, also voiced by midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, regarding the club’s medical team.
The dispute intensified when Lukaku, during international duty in Belgium, was deemed not fully fit. Instead of immediately returning to Italy as expected, he chose to remain in Belgium for his recovery.
This decision reportedly angered Napoli, prompting them to threaten disciplinary action if he failed to meet their deadline for his return. Despite a statement released by Lukaku on social media, Napoli’s firm stance appears unchanged.
Lukaku and De Bruyne Express Frustration with Napoli’s Medical Team
Belgian media reports confirm that both Lukaku and De Bruyne harbor concerns regarding the quality and approach of Napoli’s medical staff.
De Bruyne elaborated on the issue, stating, “Romelu and I followed a similar path after our injuries. My rehabilitation was completed entirely in Belgium, while Romelu’s was split between Antwerp and Naples. When there are two different views, it’s hard to work together. These disagreements are not ideal when the goal is to regain peak fitness.”
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lukaku’s rushed return in November, reportedly influenced by Napoli’s severe injury crisis, led him to disregard advice from his medical team in Antwerp, resulting in an immediate relapse of his injury.
This situation is not unprecedented for Napoli, as their medical department has faced controversy before, linked to a series of significant setbacks that severely depleted Antonio Conte’s squad this season.
Consequently, Lukaku reportedly prefers to work with Lieven Maesschalck and Bert Driesen, physiotherapists he and De Bruyne first encountered through the Belgian national team.
Lukaku intends to remain in Belgium at least until the end of the current week, leaving Napoli’s official response and subsequent actions uncertain.