Overview

• The club said scans showed a high‑grade lesion of the left rectus femoris, rehabilitation has begun and a surgical consultation is scheduled.
• The injury occurred near the half‑hour of a friendly against Olympiacos after a challenge and long‑range shot, leading him to stop and come off.
• Reporting in Belgium quotes longtime physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck saying he expects surgery and will coordinate rehabilitation with Napoli’s staff, expressing confidence in a full return.
• Estimates suggest he could be sidelined through November at minimum, with some projections stretching into 2026 and a potential 18–25 matches missed across Serie A and the Champions League by December.
• With Lukaku unavailable, Antonio Conte is set to start Lorenzo Lucca in the league opener as the club explores a striker addition and considers leaving Lukaku off initial domestic and European registration lists.