The 32-year-old forward has endured a difficult season, spending a significant period sidelined due to a hamstring injury. He has yet to make a start for Napoli and has featured for only 64 minutes so far this campaign.
Lukaku recently withdrew from Belgium national football team duty for matches against the United States and Mexico, explaining that he preferred to focus on recovery and improving his fitness levels. Napoli, however, had expected him to return to Italy to resume training with the squad.
According to the club, the player did not report for training on Tuesday. In a statement, Napoli said Lukaku did not respond to the call-up to rejoin the team. The club added that it reserves the right to consider disciplinary action and to review his ongoing involvement with the squad.
Lukaku's representatives have been contacted for comment.
The striker, who previously played for clubs including Chelsea Football Club, Everton Football Club, Manchester United Football Club and Inter Milan, has experienced limited playing time this season due to injury setbacks. Despite this, he remains an important figure for Belgium, where he is the all time leading scorer with 89 goals from 124 appearances.
Lukaku has expressed his commitment to Napoli, stating earlier in the week that he would never turn his back on the club and is focused on helping the team succeed when available. He also acknowledged the challenges he has faced recently, both physically and personally.
In his remarks, Lukaku explained that his rehabilitation has been complicated by ongoing issues related to inflammation and fluid near a muscle injury site. He indicated that medical assessments conducted while he was in Belgium highlighted the problem, which followed a prior setback earlier in the season.
The striker also referenced the recent passing of his father, describing the current campaign as particularly demanding. He said he chose to continue rehabilitation in Belgium to better manage his recovery and return to full fitness when selected.
Napoli are now expected to assess the situation internally as they determine the next steps regarding the player's availability and conduct.
