Romelu Lukaku could face disciplinary action after missing Napoli training despite withdrawing from Belgium squad due to injury

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Romelu Lukaku may be facing disciplinary action from Napoli after failing to report for training following his withdrawal from the Belgium squad due to ongoing fitness issues. The 32-year-old did not comply with the club’s request to return to Naples, instead choosing to continue his recovery work in his homeland. Lukaku has managed just 64 minutes across five substitute appearances this season.

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Romelu Lukaku could find himself in hot water with his club Napoli after the striker failed to turn up for training following his withdrawal from the Belgium national squad through injury.

The 32-year-old ignored the club's request for him to return to Naples, opting to stay and work on his fitness in his homeland.

Lukaku has featured in just 64 minutes across five substitute appearances this season due to injury and personal issues, with his father Roger passing away in September.

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Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer posted a message on Instagram on Monday, stating: "This season has been very challenging for me, between the injury and personal loss.

"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."

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Having moved to clarify his position in missing training, it was thought that the matter had been resolved, but Lukaku - who has scored 89 goals for Belgium - could yet be sanctioned for his failure to comply with Napoli's request to return to the training ground for rehabilitation.

A club statement read: "Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today's call-up for the resumption of training.

"The club reserves the right to decide whether to take appropriate disciplinary action, as well as whether to continue the player's activity with the squad on a permanent basis."

Lukaku has been struggling with a hamstring injury this season, but is determined to represent his country at a fourth World Cup this summer.

The former Everton and Manchester United striker scored 14 goals last season to help Napoli secure the Serie A title.

He is yet to start a game for Napoli this term, but he netted his first goal of the campaign in February after coming on as a second-half substitute to score a stoppage-time winner at Verona.

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Following an emotional celebration in tribute to his late father, the hope was that Lukaku could return to his best to help Napoli achieve their objectives for the remainder of the season - but the player has suffered a setback.

Having earned 124 caps for Belgium, the former Inter and Chelsea striker was forced to drop out of Rudi Garcia's squad for internationals against the USA and Mexico.

Belgium face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G during this summer's World Cup finals.

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