Lukaku defends Napoli exile as Italian giants furious with Belgian star

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 31 Mar 2026 05:13 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Romelu Lukaku has sought to clarify exactly why he hasn't returned to Napoli after pulling out of the Belgium squad due to injury.

On 24th March, Lukaku pulled out of the Belgium squad for friendlies against the United States and Mexico as he looked to fully recover from a hamstring issue that has impacted his entire campaign with Napoli so far.

It was initially thought that he would stay in Italy to recover but he instead travelled to Belgium where he is currently being treated after a new medical issue was discovered.

Despite not playing for Belgium in this international break, he has reportedly refused to return to Naples for treatment which has upset the club hierarchy.

Lukaku has taken to social media to defend his actions, saying it is necessary for him to be treated in Antwerp before returning.

"This season has been very challenging for me, between the injury and personal loss," the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker explained.

"I know there has been a lot of noise over the last few days about my situation and it is important to clarify everything. The truth is that in recent weeks I didn’t feel well physically, I underwent some checks while I was in Belgium and it turned out there was inflammation and fluid in the iliopsoas muscle, near the scar tissue.

"It is the second problem I have had since I returned at the beginning of November. I chose to do the rehabilitation in Belgium so that I can be ready when called upon.

"I think most of you saw the interview I did in Verona: I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There is nothing I would want more than to play and make my team win, but right now I have to make sure I am clinically 100%, because lately I wasn’t and this also weighed on me mentally."

Weirdly enough, not enough are talking about the Lukaku situation right now.

Is back fit but is refusing to train with Napoli and is still in Belgium, feeling that is best for his fitness. Is not even answering their calls and is only responding through his agent.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) March 31, 2026

Sky Sports Italia previously suggested that Napoli will look to fine Lukaku for his self-imposed exile.

There has been speculation that Lukaku could seek a move away from Napoli this summer after failing to make an impact this season due to a succession of injuries.

Until now he has featured for just 64 minutes across seven matches in all competitions.

Not only does this exile impact his relationship with Napoli, but his lack of minutes this season will be taken into account when Rudi Garcia names his squad for this summer's 2026 World Cup.

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