Romelu Lukaku Suffers Serious Thigh Injury
Romelu Lukaku has suffered a serious muscle injury to his left thigh, his club Napoli announced on Monday. The Italian side did not specify how long the Belgian striker will be out, but reports suggest he could be sidelined for several months, reports 24brussels.
Tests revealed a significant injury to the rectus femoris, a muscle located at the front of the thigh. Napoli confirmed that Lukaku has already begun rehabilitation and will undergo surgery, with expected recovery time of at least three months.
The 32-year-old experienced the injury during last Thursday’s pre-season friendly against the Greek side Olympiakos. Approximately half an hour into the match, he clutched his left leg and requested to be substituted, exiting the pitch with a limp.
This injury represents a serious setback for Lukaku. He will miss the start of the Serie A season and the first half of Belgium’s World Cup qualifying campaign, facing six crucial matches in September, October, and November.
“He’s already looking ahead and asking: when can I play again?”
No Long-Term Impact Expected
The injury stands as the most severe of Lukaku’s career to date. However, his physiotherapist, Lieven Maesschalck, asserts that the striker is motivated to recover swiftly. “An injury is always unfortunate, but Rom is able to turn the page quickly,” he stated to Sporza. “He’s already looking ahead and asking: when can I play again?”
Maesschalck also confirmed that the injury is not expected to affect the rest of Lukaku’s career. “Making a full recovery will be no problem at all,” he said. “Rehabilitation will be hard work. If it’s not done properly, it can take a long time. But we’re used to that.”
