Romelu Lukaku is not expected to feature for Napoli until December at the earliest following further medical checks on his thigh injury.
Recall the Belgian striker sustained a serious muscle tear during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos in August and has been sidelined since.
Initial reports suggested he could return in late November, but fresh examinations in Brussels this week confirmed a longer timeline, per Football Italia.
According to Il Mattino and Tuttomercatoweb, Lukaku will not require surgery, though doctors have advised against rushing his rehabilitation to avoid setbacks.
His absence, projected at three to four months, prompted Napoli to sign Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United and omit Lukaku from their UEFA Champions League squad list.
The 31-year-old had travelled to Belgium for specialist treatment, with Napoli medical staff emphasizing that the current recovery path aligns with the original prognosis for a full return to fitness.