Four Months Later, Lukaku Finally Sees the Light

Romelu Lukaku has taken the step Napoli had been waiting for. The Belgian striker trained with the rest of the squad for the first time since suffering a high-grade rectus femoris injury on August 14 during a preseason match against Olympiakos. Nearly four months later, he returned to the training pitch with confidence and greeted the cameras with a message that electrified supporters: “See you soon.”

His absence has marked one of the most difficult periods of his career, missing 20 matches and being unable to make his official season debut despite being one of the stars of last year’s Scudetto campaign. Now, his presence alongside the group signals a turning point in Napoli’s season and provides fresh hope for an attack that has missed his power and presence.

Conte Oversees First Session With Lukaku as Optimism Grows

Tuesday’s training session was also the first time Antonio Conte could work directly with Lukaku since taking over at Napoli. Their past success together is well documented, and the sight of the Belgian completing drills under Conte’s supervision instantly lifted the mood within the club. The striker looked sharp and confident during the initial phases of training.

Although Lukaku cannot feature in the Champions League — he is not registered for the competition — his reintegration into the squad places him on track for a potential return in mid-December. For Napoli, his comeback would feel like a major signing heading into the decisive stretch of the season.

Targeting Udinese and a Full Return for the Italian Super Cup

Lukaku will not travel with the team for the Champions League clash against Benfica, but he could join the squad for the December 14 match against Udinese. Conte and the medical staff will evaluate whether he is ready for minutes, though the primary objective is clear: have him fully fit for the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Napoli will face AC Milan in the semifinals.

That tournament is marked internally as Lukaku’s ideal stage for a complete return. Napoli wants him fresh, confident, and injury-free — because a fully operational Lukaku could be decisive in their push for silverware.

The Napoli Attack During His Absence

In Lukaku’s four-month absence, Napoli rotated between Lorenzo Lucca and Rasmus Højlund as center-forwards, with the Danish striker earning more consistency in recent matches. Still, neither has been able to replicate the physical dominance, reference point, and offensive weight Lukaku provides when he is at full strength. His return will immediately elevate competition within the squad and restore a vital profile for Napoli’s ambitions in Serie A and beyond.