NFLPreview
Miller's final NFL mock draft -- with Fowler's latest intel: Projecting 32 first-round picks
Check out the final predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, starting at 8 p.m. ET!
ESPN News1 min read
SoccerInjury Update
New Lukaku injury for Napoli star puts 2026 World Cup in real doubt
TL;DR
Romelu Lukaku has suffered a new ankle injury while in Belgium, jeopardizing his participation in the 2026 World Cup. This setback follows his recent return to fitness after dealing with recurring thigh issues.
Key points
- Romelu Lukaku suffered an ankle injury in Belgium.
- The injury jeopardizes his 2026 World Cup participation.
- Lukaku had previously been recovering from thigh issues.
Mentioned in this story
Belgium
Romelu LukakuNapoli
New Lukaku injury for Napoli star puts 2026 World Cup in real doubt
Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku suffered another huge blow in his return to fitness, picking up an ankle injury while in Belgium, as his World Cup is now at risk.
The centre-forward had briefly returned to Naples last week for a meeting with the club, after which he was given permission to go back to Belgium in order to continue rehabilitation over his recurring thigh issues.
Lukaku fresh injury worry
NAPLES, ITALY ā FEBRUARY 10: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli reacts after missing a penalty in the penalty shootout during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
However, HLN in Belgium report that he lasted less than an hour at the Bosuil training ground in Antwerp before clutching his ankle.
Lukaku was working with Peter Gors from MovetoCure, the physio he insisted was better suited to his recovery than the support provided for him by Napoli in Italy.
Q&A
What injury did Romelu Lukaku sustain while in Belgium?
Romelu Lukaku sustained an ankle injury while in Belgium, which is a significant setback in his recovery.
How does Lukaku's injury affect his chances for the 2026 World Cup?
Lukaku's new injury puts his participation in the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt due to ongoing fitness concerns.
What previous injuries has Lukaku dealt with before this ankle injury?
Before this ankle injury, Lukaku had been struggling with recurring thigh issues that had previously sidelined him.
