Mansion Sports – Napoli have issued a strong official statement after Romelu Lukaku failed to report back to training following the international break.

The Belgian striker remained in his home country despite the club’s instructions, prompting Napoli’s management to consider drastic disciplinary measures.

Breakdown in Communication

While his teammates returned from international duty, the former Chelsea player stayed in Belgium, triggering an unprecedented public reprimand from the Serie A club.

The dispute began with Lukaku’s decision to undergo personal recovery without involving the club’s medical staff.

Although he withdrew from the Belgium squad last week citing fitness issues, he chose to train with a personal coach rather than return to Napoli, a move reportedly made without the club’s permission.

Disciplinary Measures Under Consideration

Napoli’s management did not hold back in responding to the 32-year-old striker’s defiance.

Disappointment within the club was palpable, with the board now considering hefty fines or even total exclusion from the first team.

In an official statement, the club declared: "SSC Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to consider taking appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team for an indefinite period."

Legal Experts Involved

The situation has escalated beyond a simple sporting dispute, with Napoli’s legal team now reviewing the striker’s contract.

As reported by Sky Sports via Football Italia, lawyers are evaluating whether the “indefinite” nature of Lukaku’s absence justifies harsher contractual sanctions compared to the standard one-week fine.

The club may be prepared to completely remove the striker from the squad if no resolution is reached within the next 48 hours.

What Happens Next?

This internal crisis comes at an extremely inopportune time for Napoli as they prepare to return to domestic competition under high pressure.

The club is scheduled to host AC Milan on Monday in a match that could significantly impact the Serie A standings.

Napoli currently sit in third place with 62 points from 30 matches, just one point behind second-placed Milan, while Inter leads the table with 69 points.