Overview

• Napoli say tests showed a high‑grade rectus femoris tear in Lukaku’s left thigh, ruling him out of the title holders’ opening Serie A match and sending him for a surgical consultation.
• Italy-based reports indicate he could be sidelined until November, with the club providing no timeline and surgery still a possibility.
• Sky Sport Italia report Napoli may initially leave him off their 25‑man Serie A and Champions League lists, and competition rules allow mid‑season changes if he is later fit.
• With only Lorenzo Lucca as another senior centre‑forward, Napoli are exploring short‑term cover, and UK reports link a loan move for Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund.
• Lukaku’s absence is significant after he delivered 14 goals and 10 Serie A assists in last season’s title campaign under Antonio Conte.