Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku has sparked fresh injury fears after limping off during a pre-season friendly match against Olympiacos on Wednesday. The Belgian forward appeared to pull up clutching the back of his left thigh after taking a shot in the first half, raising concerns over his availability for the start of the Serie A season.
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According to reports, Lukaku was immediately replaced by Lorenzo Lucca and was later seen sitting on the bench with an ice pack strapped to his leg. Initial assessments suggest a possible hamstring or thigh strain, which, if confirmed, could sideline him for the opening league clash against Sassuolo on August 23 at the Mapei Stadium.
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The injury comes as a major blow for Napoli, who are preparing to defend their Serie A crown. Lukaku was instrumental in last season’s title-winning campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in 36 league appearances. His physical presence and ability to link play have been a key part of the club’s attacking strategy under manager Rudi Garcia.
If Lukaku is unable to recover in time, summer signing Lorenzo Lucca is expected to lead the line against Sassuolo. While Lucca has impressed during pre-season, the absence of the Belgian star could impact Napoli’s attacking rhythm, especially against a Sassuolo side known for their counter-attacking threat.
Napoli fans will be hoping the injury is only a minor setback, with medical tests expected to confirm the severity in the coming days. For now, the club is keeping details limited, but supporters are anxiously awaiting updates as the new season draws closer.
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