Big blow for Napoli – Lukaku sidelined until the end of the year!?

In the dry, almost "brutal" terminology of medical reports, the story was told like this: "Following the injury sustained in the match against Olympiacos, Romelu Lukaku underwent instrumental tests at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade lesion of the rectus femoris in his left thigh. The player has already begun his rehabilitation process and will also undergo a surgical consultation."

Translation? For Napoli and their fans, it’s the kind of nightmare that keeps dragging on. Lukaku won’t be back leading the line anytime soon. A "high-grade lesion" essentially points to a severe muscle strain—but it’s that ominous mention of a "surgical consultation" that shifts everything into uncertainty.

Now, doctors and specialists have two paths in front of them: stick with conservative therapy or proceed directly to surgery. The injury is serious but not a total rupture, which makes both routes viable. Yet the supposedly safer option—conservative therapy—carries its own trap. It requires patience, may not fully solve the issue, and could still end up leading to surgery months down the line.

The timelines aren’t kind either way. Surgery means Lukaku is out for four to five months, keeping him sidelined until January 2026. Conservative treatment could shorten that to around two months—but if it fails, the recovery stretches to as long as seven months, pushing his return to March or April. That scenario would not only derail Napoli’s season but also jeopardize Lukaku’s participation in the World Cup in the United States.

A decision between player and club will be made shortly. But while the medical meetings continue, De Laurentiis, Conte, and sporting director Manna can’t just wait—they need to act. Napoli, Italy’s reigning champions and Champions League participants, cannot face the season with only one striker, Lorenzo Lucca, who is set to make his debut on August 23rd in Reggio Emilia.

The conclusion is obvious: Napoli must sign another forward. The problem? With less than two weeks left before the transfer window shuts, finding the right man to replace Big Rom is anything but straightforward.