Romelu Lukaku could face disciplinary action from Napoli after failing to report for training despite withdrawing from international duty due to injury, the Serie A club confirmed on Tuesday.

The club stated that Lukaku did not respond to their request to return to the training ground, a situation that has raised the possibility of sanctions and left his immediate future uncertain

Lukaku had pulled out of Belgium’s trip to the United States, missing World Cup warm-up matches against the U.S. and Mexico in order to focus on his fitness. However, reports in Italian media suggested he declined to return to Napoli’s training facilities for rehabilitation.

In an official statement, Napoli said: “Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call to return to training. The club reserves the right to consider taking appropriate disciplinary action, as well as to decide whether the player will continue training with the team for an indefinite period.”

The Belgian striker, who scored 14 goals last season to help Napoli secure the Serie A title, has struggled with injuries this campaign. He missed the first half of the season due to a hamstring problem and has since managed just one league goal in five substitute appearances since returning in January.

Romelu Lukaku has defended his decision to remain in Belgium for treatment, explaining that ongoing physical issues have prevented him from returning to peak condition.

The 32-year-old striker said he had been dealing with discomfort in recent weeks and underwent checks while in Belgium, which revealed inflammation and fluid around his hip flexor near existing scar tissue.

“The truth is, over the past few weeks I wasn’t feeling right physically,” Lukaku said on Monday. “Tests showed inflammation and fluid around my hip flexor muscle next to the scar tissue.

“Since this is the second issue I’ve had since returning in early November, I decided to continue my rehabilitation in Belgium so I can be ready when called upon.

“I could never turn my back on Napoli. There’s nothing more I want than to play and win with my team, but right now I need to ensure I’m fully fit.”

Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Inter Milan. Their next fixture is a home match against second-placed AC Milan on Monday.