19 August 2025
Serie A champions Napoli announced on Monday that Belgian star Romelu Lukaku may require surgery after suffering a thigh injury during a pre-season friendly. Lukaku was substituted during Napoli's 2-1 friendly win over Olympiakos on Thursday.
Napoli explained in a statement that medical tests on Lukaku revealed a severe injury to his left thigh muscle. The statement added that the Belgian striker has already begun his rehabilitation program and will also undergo surgery.
Napoli has not set a preliminary date for Lukaku's return. The team will begin its Serie A title defense against Sassuolo next Saturday.
The Belgian national team is also monitoring the severity of its all-time top scorer's injury as they prepare for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, October, and November.
