Napoli have warned Romelu Lukaku he could face disciplinary action after failing to report for training following his early exit from international duty.
In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, March 31, the Serie A side confirmed the striker did not return to Naples as instructed after leaving the Belgium national team camp last week.
“SSC Napoli announces that player Romelu Lukaku has failed to comply with the team’s notice to resume training today,” the statement reads. “The club reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary measures, including indefinitely suspending the player from first-team training and matches.”
Napoli had agreed with Belgium’s football authorities that Lukaku would head back to Italy early to continue his recovery from physical issues. Instead, the forward has remained in Belgium to train privately, a decision that has angered club officials.
The club reiterated its position in a follow-up statement. The statement reads, “We can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to consider taking the appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team for an indefinite period.”
Napoli stressed the importance of professionalism within the squad, adding: “We expect all players to adhere to professional obligations, including attendance at training sessions.”
The incident has heightened tensions between player and club, with no official explanation yet offered for the absence. The dispute now casts uncertainty over Lukaku’s immediate future and his availability for upcoming fixtures.
