Romelu Lukaku has outlined how an injury-hit season has affected mental health while aiming for a strong finish. The 32-year-old withdrew from Belgium's squad for matches against the United States and Mexico, choosing instead to focus on recovery before returning for Napoli and the national team.
Belgium's all-time leading scorer has barely featured for Napoli this campaign. Lukaku has appeared in only seven matches across competitions, playing a total of 64 minutes. The limited game time followed a hip issue, which has persisted despite an attempted comeback in early November.
Explaining the physical issues in detail, Lukaku used social media to share a long personal message. Lukaku posted: "This season has been a lot for me, from dealing with
the injury and the personal loss. I know there has been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days and it'simportant to clarify the whole situation. The truth is the last few weeks I wasnt feeling right physically and I had it checked out while I was in Belgium and it showed me that there was an inflammation and liquid on my hip flexor muscle next to my scar tissue. It is the second problem I had since coming back early November. "
The forward described how the fresh setback followed an earlier lay-off, which already disrupted rhythm in autumn. Medical checks in Belgium confirmed inflammation and fluid around the hip flexor, close to existing scar tissue. That diagnosis convinced Lukaku and staff that further rest and targeted rehabilitation were necessary.
Lukaku explained the decision to remain away from the Belgium squad and continue rehabilitation work. "I chose to do the rehab in Belgium so I can help the team when called upon. There's nothing I would love more than to do than play and win with my team. But right now I have to make sure I am 100% because I haven't been recently and it took a toll mentally. It's been a lot this year. But in the end, I will get there and help Napoli and the national team to their respective objectives when called upon. That's all I want. "
Romelu Lukaku injury absence and Belgium results
While Lukaku continues this recovery programme, Belgium have already played without the Napoli striker. Roberto Martinez's side defeated the United States 5-2 on Saturday, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring twice. Belgium now prepare to face Mexico at Soldier Field in Chicago on Tuesday.
Lukaku stressed that returning at full fitness remains the priority after a challenging year on and off the pitch. The forward aims to rejoin Napoli's attack and Belgium's squad once the hip problem settles completely, believing that a careful approach now will allow meaningful contributions later in the season.
