Lukaku postpones Napoli comeback with extended Antwerp stay

Romelu Lukaku’s long-awaited return to SSC Napoli has been pushed back once more, with the striker opting to remain away from the club as his recovery from a hip problem continues to evolve.

The Belgian forward of Congolese descent has spent the past fortnight in Antwerp undergoing treatment, despite expectations within Napoli that he would soon rejoin the squad at Castel Volturno.

However, those plans have now been shelved again, with the player and his camp revising the rehabilitation timeline in a move that has raised fresh uncertainty over his immediate future.

Lukaku was initially due back in Naples in the coming days, but reports indicate that he has declined to travel for now, choosing instead to extend his stay in Belgium.

The latest adjustment means a return is tentatively pencilled in for early next week, likely after Napoli’s upcoming fixture against SS Lazio.

Even when he does rejoin the club, Lukaku is not expected to immediately reintegrate into full team activities.

Head coach Antonio Conte and the Napoli hierarchy are understood to be preparing for a period in which the striker will train separately from the main group while a clearer decision is made regarding his role and fitness.

The situation adds another layer of intrigue to Napoli’s attacking setup, with Lukaku’s absence forcing the coaching staff to continue exploring alternative options in the final third. His prolonged stay away from the squad also raises questions about match readiness and how quickly he can return to competitive action once fully fit.