Scott McTominay to Undergo Surgery for Heart Issue

Scott McTominay will miss Scotland’s upcoming Nations League campaign after Napoli confirmed the midfielder is to undergo corrective surgery for a minor heart issue.

The Italian club announced on Tuesday that the former Manchester United man is dealing with what they described as “a mild benign arrhythmia” – an irregular heart rhythm that has been assessed as non-serious and not a significant threat to his overall health.

Even so, the condition demands treatment. Napoli revealed McTominay will have a cardiac arrhythmia ablation in the coming days, a procedure designed to correct the rhythm problem and allow him to return to full training without lingering concerns.

It means an abrupt pause in what had been a strong start to life in Naples. McTominay will sit out all of the club’s fixtures in September, including next week’s Champions League clash with Arsenal, a marquee tie that was expected to showcase his growing influence in midfield.

Impact on Scotland

The timing also hits Scotland hard. As Sebastien Pocognoli prepares for his first matches in charge of the national team, he will have to do without one of his key leaders. McTominay is ruled out of Scotland’s first four Nations League fixtures under the new head coach, home and away against Slovenia, plus meetings with Switzerland and North Macedonia.

“Following the onset of a mild benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery using a cardiac arrhythmia ablation in the coming days,” Napoli said in a brief statement, before adding a crucial reassurance: “He will be available again after the international break.”

For club and country, the message is clear. A short spell of anxiety, a carefully managed procedure – and then the expectation that McTominay returns to the heart of midfield as if he had never been away.