Romelu Lukaku sidelined for months with 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.
Tests revealed a serious injury to the rectus femoris, a muscle at the front of the thigh. Napoli confirmed Lukaku has already begun rehabilitation and will undergo surgery, with reports suggesting a recovery time of at least three months.
The 32-year-old was injured during last Thursday’s pre-season friendly between Napoli and Greek side Olympiakos. Around the half-hour mark, he clutched his left leg and immediately asked to be substituted, leaving the pitch limping.
“He’s already looking ahead and asking: when can I play again?”
The injury is a devastating setback for Lukaku. Not only will he miss the start of the Serie A season, he will also miss the first half of Belgium’s World Cup qualifying campaign. The Red Devils face six important games in September, October and November.
No long-term impact
It is the most serious injury of Lukaku’s career so far. But according to his physiotherapist, Lieven Maesschalck, the striker is determined to recover quickly.
“An injury is always unfortunate, but Rom is able to turn the page quickly,” he told Sporza. “He’s already looking ahead and asking: when can I play again?”
Maesschalk also confirmed the injury will not impact 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."
© PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
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