Romelu Lukaku
Returns with national team
Lukaku (hip) made a 17-minute appearance and scored the second of Belgium's goals in Tuesday's 2-0 friendly win over Croatia.
Analysis: Lukaku bounced back to competitive play following a three-month absence, and he quickly found the back of the net in his first chance. The experienced striker is now ready to compete for a major role at the international level, serving as an alternative to Charles De Ketelaere, who has recently been used in the middle of the front line. While not guaranteed to start, Lukaku is one of the top attacking threats of a squad that could benefit from a favorable group-stage schedule.
Returning to Belgium
Lukaku is heading back to Belgium to work on his conditioning ahead of the World Cup, La Repubblica reported.
Analysis: Lukaku won't play in the last two Napoli matches and will be evaluated by the national team's medical staff in the next few weeks, considering he hasn't played in over two months. He has featured just six times, scoring once, this campaign, because of multiple injuries, adding three shots (two on target) and two chances created.
Out versus Bologna
Lukaku (hip) won't be selected for Monday's fixture versus Bologna and might not be available for any of the last three rounds, Mediaset reported.
Analysis: Lukaku has worked separately from the rest of the group since returning to Italy and is unlikely to play in the last two tilts, although the decision isn't set in stone at this stage.
Back in Italy
Lukaku (hip) has returned to Naples and trained individually, the club announced.
Analysis: Lukaku reported back to his team after two separate rehab stints abroad, the first of which hadn't been concurred. He could potentially be available for one of the final three matches if the coach deems him fit enough to contribute. He hasn't appeared in over two months at this point and never got into a rhythm after an early serious thigh injury.
Will keep rehabbing abroad
Lukaku (hip) returned to Naples and agreed to pay a fine for his impromptu hiatus, but will head back to Belgium to recover from his injury, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Lukaku cleared the air with his club after deciding to stay away on his own following the last international break, but he'll quickly fly back to his home country to recuperate and work on his conditioning. He doesn't have a clear timetable at this stage. Rasmus Hojlund and Giovane will be the options in the role for a while longer.
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