Scott McTominay to Undergo Heart Procedure, Missing Scotland Duty

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

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

Even so, it is enough to halt his season, briefly. McTominay will miss Napoli’s fixtures in September, including next week’s Champions League clash with Arsenal, a marquee night that was expected to showcase his growing influence in Italy.

The timing also delivers an early blow to new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. McTominay will be unavailable for Pocognoli’s first four games in charge: a double-header against Slovenia, followed by meetings with Switzerland and North Macedonia in the Nations League.

Napoli set out the situation in a short, clinical statement, confirming both the diagnosis and the treatment plan.

“Following the onset of a mild benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery using a cardiac arrhythmia ablation in the coming days,” the club said.

The procedure is designed to correct the irregular rhythm and, according to Napoli, McTominay’s absence should be brief. The club added that he is expected to return to action after the international break, offering a clear timeframe and a measure of reassurance for both Napoli and Scotland supporters.

For now, though, one of Scotland’s key midfield figures steps away from the pitch, with club and country forced to adjust while he focuses on something far more important than a Nations League fixture list.