Lukaku injury may force Napoli to buy new striker this summer

 

Napoli are facing an unexpected dilemma just weeks before the new Serie A season kicks off. Romelu Lukaku, their main striker, sustained a muscle strain in his left thigh during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos. The Belgian forward, who reunited with Antonio Conte last season and played a crucial role in Napoli’s attack, is awaiting further medical tests to determine the seriousness of the injury. Early reports suggest it may not be a minor issue, creating concern inside the club.

This setback comes at a difficult time, as Napoli already sold backup forwards Giovanni Simeone and Giacomo Raspadori earlier in the summer. Without reliable replacements, Conte’s team could enter the campaign short of attacking options. According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli may be forced to explore the market for a new striker depending on Lukaku’s recovery timeline. With the transfer window closing on August 31, the club has just under two weeks to make a decision. For Conte, who guided Napoli to the Serie A title last season, starting the defense of their crown without a prolific frontman is not an option. Lukaku’s situation could shape Napoli’s entire season.

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Romelu Lukaku has been vital for Napoli since joining last year, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists across 38 appearances in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign. His proven chemistry with Conte, built during their successful spell at Inter Milan, made him the focal point of the team’s title-winning attack. Beyond Napoli, Lukaku also holds legendary status with Belgium, where he is the nation’s all-time top scorer with 89 goals in 124 international matches.

The injury, however, has cast a shadow over Napoli’s preparations. Conte and his staff are now carefully weighing their options, with medical updates expected soon. Should the injury keep Lukaku out long term, Napoli will be almost certain to dip into the transfer market in search of a proven forward. Fans are anxious, as the squad currently lacks a direct replacement capable of delivering the same consistency in front of goal. The urgency is heightened by the short timeframe remaining before the window shuts. For now, Napoli can only wait on the medical team’s verdict. If Lukaku’s injury proves serious, Gli Azzurri’s transfer strategy will have to shift rapidly to secure a striker who can maintain their momentum in domestic and European competitions.

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