Romelu Lukaku will not be available for the Belgian national team’s upcoming international friendly matches. Napoli has announced that the striker has departed the national team camp to return to Italy. This decision was made to allow him to focus on maximizing his physical condition. Consequently, the forward will miss the games against the United States and Mexico, which are scheduled during this international break. This is a mutual agreement designed to cautiously manage his recovery path, with the primary goal of helping him regain consistency and sharpness for the crucial final stretch of the season.
A Gradual Return Following Injury
Lukaku’s season has been significantly affected by a muscle injury he sustained in mid-August 2025. The thigh injury forced him to remain off the field for several months. His official return to play came only on January 25, 2026, in the match against Juventus. Since then, the striker has been undergoing a gradual reintroduction process. The technical staff opted not to rush his return to prevent any relapses. The priority has been to ensure he achieves the best possible athletic condition, which is why his playing minutes have been carefully managed.
Limited Opportunities, But Positive Signs
Meanwhile, Hojlund’s impressive season has restricted Lukaku’s playing opportunities. Coach Conte has frequently deployed him as a substitute, particularly in the closing stages of matches. Despite the reduced playing time, the Belgian has consistently proven ready to make an impact. A notable example is the decisive goal he scored against Hellas Verona in stoppage time—a clear demonstration of his ability to influence games even in just a few minutes. The current objective is to progressively increase his impact. His focused work at Napoli will be fundamental for him to regain consistency and secure a more central role during this concluding phase of the season.
