Napoli 'considering disciplinary action' against AWOL Romelu Lukaku

Napoli are considering disciplinary action against Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian striker failed to return to his club.

Lukaku revealed he'd opted to receive treatment for a hip issue in his native Belgium which has reportedly incited fury from the Napoli hierarchy.

The 32-year-old has missed the majority of the season with a hamstring injury picked up over the summer, and despite making his first Serie A appearance in January, Lukaku is yet to start a league game.

In a statement, Napoli said: "SSC Napoli announces that Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today's call-up for the resumption of training. The Club reserves the right to decide whether to take appropriate disciplinary action, as well as whether to continue the player's activity with the squad on a permanent basis."

Lukaku posted on Instagram: "This season has been very challenging for me, between the injury and the personal loss. I know that in recent days there’s been a lot of noise about my situation, and it’s important to clear everything up.

"The truth is that in recent weeks I haven’t been feeling well physically; I had it checked while I was in Belgium, and it turned out there was inflammation and fluid in the iliopsoas muscle, near the scar tissue—it’s the second issue I’ve had since I returned at the beginning of November.

"I chose to do the rehabilitation in Belgium so I can be ready when I’m called upon. I think most of you saw the interview I did in Verona: I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There’s nothing I’d want more than to play and help my team win… but right now I need to make sure I’m clinically at 100%, because lately I haven’t been, and that’s weighed on me mentally too."

With one year to run on his contract, it seems increasingly likely that Lukaku will leave Napoli in the summer, with Saudi clubs no doubt interested.