Napoli star Lukaku steps up recovery to return before Supercoppa clash

Romelu Lukaku is stepping up his recovery as he aims to return to action for Napoli ahead of schedule, with Sky Sport reporting the Belgian striker is targeting a comeback before the Supercoppa Italiana.

Lukaku has been sidelined since August with a high-grade tear in his left thigh muscle but returned to Naples last week to begin personalised training at Castel Volturno.

According to Sky reporter Francesco Modugno, via IlNapolista, the 32-year-old “is intensifying workloads and looking to bring forward his original target” for a return.

That could mean a comeback between December 10 and 15: a crucial stretch that sees Napoli face Benfica in the Champions League and Udinese in Serie A.

With Lukaku nearing fitness, Antonio Conte’s squad is slowly returning to full strength after an injury-plagued start to the season. His return could also reignite competition in attack, where Rasmus Højlund has been deputising.

The Danish striker, who scored five Champions League goals during his Manchester United days, now faces a test of consistency to convince Conte he deserves to stay in the starting XI once “Big Rom” is back leading the line.