Napoli worry over Lukaku: Sassuolo debut in doubt | OneFootball

The Italian champion Napoli risks having to face the first league match without its new key striker. Romelu Lukaku stopped during the friendly match against Olympiacos in Castel di Sangro, leaving the field in the 32nd minute due to a muscle problem.

Today, he will undergo instrumental tests. If the stoppage is prolonged, Napoli might look for another forward to pair with Lucca.

Napoli anxious about Lukaku: debut against Sassuolo at risk amid anger and anticipation

The provisional diagnosis indicates a strain in the left quadriceps, but only the instrumental tests scheduled for today and tomorrow can clarify the extent of the injury.

The injury and the fear

The scene was eloquent: an acceleration, a shot from a distance, then the fall to the ground and the Belgian's hands immediately indicating the left leg. The medical staff intervened with ice and immediate care, but Lukaku's expressions left no room for light interpretations. The striker mentally replayed the action and the pain experienced, aware that it was not just a simple discomfort, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.

Mood between anger and hope

In the hours following, between Castel di Sangro and Pineta Grande, a whirlwind of emotions alternated. First anger, for a stoppage that comes after weeks of training conducted with sacrifice and dedication; then bitterness, fearing he might immediately miss the first official match; finally, a thread of cautious optimism, hoping it is just a temporary alarm. At the moment, however, there is maximum secrecy: no one in the Azzurri staff intends to make any statements without a definitive clinical report.

Conte and managing the emergency

The schedule offers no respite: Saturday evening Napoli will take the field at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo, in a highly anticipated debut with the tricolor on their chest. Without Lukaku, Conte will have to evaluate alternative solutions in attack, also considering the latest market moves that could accelerate in case of a prolonged stoppage for the Belgian.

Lukaku remains a leader

Beyond immediate availability, the central role that Conte has entrusted to Lukaku in the locker room remains intact. The coach considers him a guide for the younger players – particularly for Lorenzo Lucca, destined to grow alongside him – and a point of reference along with veterans Anguissa, Lobotka, and Rrahmani. Even if forced to stop, Lukaku remains a recognized leader, capable of transmitting experience and a winning mentality to the group.

Waiting and verdict

Napoli and the fans remain in suspense, caught between anger and hope. The next few hours will be decisive in understanding whether Lukaku's issue is just a brief setback or a more serious problem. Meanwhile, the eve of the first league match is tinged with uncertainty, with Conte called to manage the debut with pragmatism and composure.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.