Napoli superstar Romelu Lukaku will reportedly miss the upcoming Serie A top-of-the-table six-pointer between Inter Milan and the Partenopei.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the mid-January showdown at San Siro will come too soon for Lukaku.

It has been almost 140 days since the 32-year-old striker’s last appearance in Serie A.

Indeed, Romelu Lukaku suffered a long-term thigh injury in August, forcing Napoli to sign a new striker.

Therefore, Rasmus Hojlund has arrived from Manchester United on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.

Napoli to Face Inter Milan Without Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli stands disappointed during the Serie A match between Napoli and Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Lukaku has yet to feature for Napoli in any competition this season.

Furthermore, it’s “nearly impossible” for the former Nerazzurri center-forward to return to action by mid-January.

As such, the Belgian star will not face his former club when the two sides lock horns at San Siro on January 11.

He is more likely to regain full fitness in two or three weeks.

However, Inter must not get too comfortable, considering Napoli beat them 3-1 without Lukaku earlier this season.