Lukaku resurfaces at Antwerp as Napoli grow uneasy over absence

Romelu Lukaku has taken an unexpected route in his recovery process, reporting for an individual training session at Royal Antwerp FC’s Bosuil facility while SSC Napoli continue to wait for his return to Italy.

The 32-year-old striker has remained in Belgium over the past two weeks, opting to continue rehabilitation from a hip injury away from his parent club’s medical staff. This decision comes despite clear instructions from Napoli for him to return to Naples and complete his recovery under their supervision.

According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Lukaku’s appearance at Antwerp’s training headquarters on Wednesday marks a positive step in his physical progress.

The session, conducted individually, suggests that the forward is gradually regaining fitness, although no definitive timeline has been established for his return to full team training.

Napoli’s hierarchy, however, have not скры their dissatisfaction with the situation. Sporting director Giovanni Manna publicly expressed concern earlier this week, emphasizing the importance of collective discipline within the squad.

The club had expected Lukaku to either link up with the national team or report back to Naples, making his continued stay in Belgium a point of tension.

“The situation for me is absolutely clear. Romelu should have gone to the national team; he stayed in Belgium to train contrary to our will,” Manna said.

“We would have liked to talk about it here in Naples: it didn’t happen and we are not happy, but respect for the group is worth more than anything. I hope he returns in a week and there will be consequences, but football goes on.”

Despite the friction, Lukaku’s return to on-field activity offers a measure of reassurance for Napoli, who are eager to have their leading striker available for the decisive phase of the season.

The coming days are expected to provide greater clarity on whether the Belgian will rejoin the squad in Italy or continue his recovery programme at home.