Romelu Lukaku avoids surgery on thigh injury as Napoli learn how long star striker will be ruled out

The Belgian international Lukaku has decided he will not undergo surgery on the thigh injury he sustained during Napoli’s 2-1 pre-season win over Olympiacos, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Scans revealed a high-grade tear in the rectus femoris of his left thigh, initially sparking fears of a long-term absence requiring an operation.After consultations with Napoli’s medical staff and specialists in Belgium, the striker opted for conservative therapy instead. 

While surgery is off the table, recovery will still take three to four months, ruling him out of Serie A’s opening stages and the group phase of the Champions League.

Lukaku’s absence leaves a massive hole in Antonio Conte’s frontline as the Belgian was crucial to Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, delivering 14 goals and 10 assists in Serie A. With the Champions League registration deadline looming, Napoli may need to act fast in the transfer market to bring in a reliable centre-forward. Beyond immediate tactics, the injury highlights Napoli’s reliance on Lukaku as a focal point, forcing Conte to either trust a stop-gap solution or reshuffle his attack entirely.

Lukaku sustained the injury on August 14 during a friendly, clutching his thigh before being forced off. The initial prognosis suggests an absence of around 100 days, though any setback could delay his return until early 2026. Napoli are looking at options to replace him and have reportedly opened talks with Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, while Joshua Zirkzee and Nicolas Jackson are also on their list.

If Lukaku’s recovery progresses smoothly, he could return in three months, potentially in time to play a decisive role in Napoli’s Serie A campaign and their ambitions beyond.