Overview

• Napoli confirmed tests revealed a high-grade rectus femoris injury in Lukaku’s left thigh sustained during the Aug. 14 friendly against Olympiacos.
• Lukaku has started rehabilitation and will receive a surgical consultation, though the club has not issued a return date.
• Italian reports indicate he could be sidelined until at least November, meaning he would miss the opening months of the season.
• Sky Sport Italia reports Napoli may leave him off their initial Serie A and Champions League 25-man lists, which can be updated mid-season under registration rules.
• With Lorenzo Lucca the only senior centre-forward available, reports link Napoli to short-term striker options, including a possible loan for Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and interest noted in Joshua Zirkzee, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Nikola Krstovic, Artem Dovbyk and Andrea Pinamonti.