When Will Romelu Lukaku Return From Injury? Napoli Boosted As Belgian Star Completes Rapid Recovery

Antonio Conte has finally received some positive news in the 2025/26 season, as Romelu Lukaku is expected to make an early return from injury.

When Will Romelu Lukaku Return From Injury?

The Napoli striker has been out of action for over three-months after suffering a thigh injury in the Partenopei’s final pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on August 14th.

Initially, Lukaku was ruled out for the remainder of 2025 and possibly until March of next year, but the 32-year-old could return to Napoli’s matchday squad before December.

According to reports, the former Manchester United striker has recovered from his thigh issues sooner than expected and is currently completing intense individual training sessions.

Antonio Conte managed to find a late replacement for Lukaku during the summer transfer window, bringing in Rasmus Hojlund on loan from Manchester United.

The Danish striker got off to a flying start in Serie A, scoring two goals in four league appearances and adding another two goals in the Champions League.

However, Hojlund’s performances for Gli Azzurri have started to dwindle, as the young forward has failed to score in his last four appearances across all competitions.

This poor form has been amplified by Napoli’s overall performance this season, as the Scudetto winners have lost five games across all competitions this season.

The Naples-based side have also diverted their focus away from just performances on the field, as Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly making plans for a new Napoli stadium that could get the all-clear this season.

Creating a brand new home ground will not be enough for supporters if performances do not improve and Antonio Conte will be hoping for an instant impact from Lukaku on his return from injury.

The Belgium international’s exact return date has not been revealed, but Lukaku could feature in the Partenopei’s league clash against Roma on November 30th.

Will Napoli Sell Lukaku in 2026?

During Napoli’s title winning campaign last season, Lukaku was one of the standout players under Antonio Conte, as the 32-year-old registered 24 goal contributions in 36 appearances (14G + 12A).

The Belgian is expected to cement himself back into the starting eleven following his return from injury, but the addition of Rasmus Hojlund could play a major role in Lukaku’s future with Napoli.

If Antonio Conte’s side finish in the top four of Serie A this season then Hojlund will join the club on a permanent basis, as this would trigger the €44 million buy option.

Hojlund’s arrival would make for some fierce competition in the striker department and the Dane’s youth could force Lukaku out of the door next summer.

Lukaku, 32, is 10-years older than Hojlund, 22, and the veteran’s recent injury concerns could cause some concern for Conte and Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Napoli have a history of letting star players go once they reach the latter stages of their career, most notably allowing Lorenzo Insigne to leave for free in July 2022.

Interestingly, Insigne has been linked with a Serie A return, as the Italian has attracted interest from Fiorentina and Lazio ahead of the January transfer window.

Lukaku’s deal in Naples does not expire until June 2027, meaning the Serie A champions may be looking for a reasonable transfer fee in the 2026 summer window – as opposed to the Belgian leaving for free once his deal comes to an end.

The former Manchester United star has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent years, even turning down a move to Al Hilal in 2023.

However, at 32-years-old and dealing with injuries on a more regular basis, Lukaku may be keen on accepting a huge salary before his career comes to an end.