Lukaku rejoins Napoli ahead of potential comeback providing lift for Belgium at World Cup

According to Italian newspaper Quotidiano Sportivo, Lukaku will rejoin Napoli on Monday following a five-week recovery period in Belgium to address ongoing injuries.

The 32-year-old faced a fine from Napoli for not returning to the team after the March international break, choosing instead to stay in Belgium for ongoing care with his chosen physiotherapist.

Lukaku linked up with the Belgium national team before two World Cup preparation matches but stayed behind due to issues with his hamstring and hip.

Reports indicate Napoli withheld 20% of his monthly wages for his absence, though he returned on April 20 and received approval to persist with his recovery in Belgium.

He avoided any discussion with manager Antonio Conte, who expressed his frustration during a TV appearance four days afterwards.

"I didn't get the opportunity to speak with him," Conte remarked. "I am aware that one of our directors did.

"Lukaku visited the training centre. My office is located there, yet nobody came to knock on my door. That truly upset me. I was hoping for a simple hello, a note, or similar gesture.

"In scenarios like this, the manager aims to empathise with the players, yet nobody seems to extend the same courtesy to the manager. I was not anticipating this turn of events."

Napoli, sitting in second place, have three Serie A games left this term. They will face Bologna at home, travel to Pisa, and then host Udinese.

Lukaku, who celebrates his 33rd birthday later this month, has yet to start a match for Napoli this campaign, featuring as a substitute six times and scoring once against Verona in February.

Representing Belgium, he has netted 89 goals across 124 appearances, with his most recent cap coming in the 4-3 victory against Wales during World Cup qualifying last June.

In Group G at the World Cup, Belgium will take on Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.