Just when Antonio Conte thought he had his Napoli machine humming toward another Serie A title charge, a familiar ghost has appeared in the machinery. Romelu Lukaku, the man brought in to be the cornerstone of the post-Osimhen era, is officially in the “disciplinary doghouse” at Castel Volturno.
As of April 1, 2026, the club has confirmed they are considering “appropriate disciplinary action” after the Belgian striker failed to report for training following his withdrawal from international duty.
The No-Show That Infuriated Conte
The drama kicked off last week when Lukaku pulled out of Belgium’s World Cup warm-up friendlies against the USA and Mexico, citing a hip flexor issue. While withdrawing from international duty is standard for an injured player, ignoring your club’s return flight is not.
Napoli officials expected Lukaku back in Italy for rehabilitation under their own medical staff. Instead, the 32-year-old stayed in Antwerp, opting to work with private physiotherapists. On Tuesday, the club released a blunt statement:
“SSC Napoli can confirm that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to determine whether the player will continue to train with the team for an indefinite period.”
A Season of Frustration
This isn’t just about one missed practice; it’s about a season that has gone south fast. After a stellar 14-goal campaign last year, Lukaku’s 2025/26 has been a nightmare:
• The Injury: A severe muscle tear in August kept him out for nearly half the season.
• The Form: Since returning in January, he has managed just one goal in seven appearances, mostly coming off the bench.
• The Competition: In his absence, Rasmus Højlund has cemented himself as Conte’s preferred number nine, leaving Lukaku as an expensive second choice.
What’s Next: Fines or the Deep Freeze?
Reports suggest Napoli is ready to slap Lukaku with a hefty fine, but the real punishment could be on the pitch. Conte is famous for his “my way or the highway” approach, and sources close to the club say he is “furious” at what he perceives as a lack of professionalism.
With the 2026 World Cup just months away, this stand-off couldn’t come at a worse time for Lukaku. If he is frozen out of the Napoli squad for the remainder of the season, his spot as Belgium’s all-time leading scorer for the summer tournament is suddenly in serious jeopardy.
