Lukaku breaks silence after missing Napoli training: 'It took a toll mentally'
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Romelu Lukaku has publicly commented on his absence from Napoli training, acknowledging the mental impact of the situation.
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Attributed to Football ItaliaRomelu Lukaku has explained himself after his absence from Napoli training during the international break, and has admitted that he hasn’t been at 100% for the majority of the 2025-26 season: ‘It took a toll mentally’.
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here Reports in Italy over the last week claim that Napoli were left angered after Lukaku took the decision to stay in Belgium to train individually during the international break, without the club’s permission.
It has been a miserable season for Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, who will go into April with just seven appearances and 64 minutes worth of club action to his name.
He picked up an injury during Napoli’s final pre-season friendly of the summer, which kept him sidelined until January, and since then, ‘Big Rom’ has struggled to get himself back to full fitness and has failed to surpass Rasmus Hojlund in the Partenopei pecking order.
What did Lukaku say about missing Napoli training? NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli reacts after missing a penalty in the penalty shootout during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Lukaku, who remains in Belgium and is expected to stay in his homeland for the rest of the international break, has since given his reasons in a post published to his Instagram story.
“This season has been a lot for me from dealing with the injury and the personal loss. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it’s important to clarify the whole situation,” the statement read.
“The truth is the last few weeks I wasn’t feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue since it is the 2nd problem I had since coming back early November.
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli leaves the pitch after suffering an injury during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) “I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help the when called upon. I think most of you saw the interview I did in Verona. There’s nothing more I would love to do than play and win my team. But right now I have to male sure I am clinically 100% cause I haven’t been recently and it took a toll mentally.
“It’s been a lot this year. But in the end I will get there and help Napoli and national team to their respective objectives when called upon. That’s all I want.”
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What happened
Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku addressed his recent absence from team training, revealing the psychological strain it has caused him. The Belgian forward's statement suggests personal or professional challenges affecting his availability and mental state. This development comes during a period where player fitness and availability are critical for Napoli's campaign. Lukaku's candid admission highlights the mental health aspects of football and potential underlying issues affecting his participation.
Chance analysis
Lukaku's admission of mental toll indicates potential discipline or availability concerns that could impact Napoli's squad depth and tactical flexibility. The statement suggests either injury complications, personal issues, or squad harmony concerns that require resolution. His availability status remains uncertain, which affects Napoli's attack planning and match-day selections.
Napoli's attacking options and squad morale may be affected by Lukaku's ongoing issues, potentially weakening their competitive strength until full integration is achieved.
Lukaku's mental and physical availability for Napoli matches is uncertain; monitor his return to training and squad selection closely.