Scott McTominay, a key midfielder for Napoli and the Scottish national team, is scheduled to undergo corrective heart surgery for a condition known as mild, benign arrhythmia. The club confirmed the procedure, which is expected to resolve the irregular heart rhythm.
Napoli announced in a statement that McTominay will undergo a cardiac arrhythmia ablation, a procedure that uses heat or cold energy to create small scars in the heart, blocking faulty signals and restoring a normal heartbeat. The club anticipates he will be available again after the international break. The British Heart Foundation describes this PFA procedure as a common treatment for irregular heart rhythms.
This timeline means McTominay will be unavailable for the first four matches under new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli. The midfielder most recently played in Napoli's 2-1 Serie A defeat against Como on Sunday, where he was substituted in the second half. He had played the full match in their season-opening 2-0 victory over Genoa.
Since joining Napoli from Manchester United in 2024, McTominay has become a pivotal player for the Italian club. He has scored 27 goals and provided 10 assists in 82 appearances, playing a significant role in Napoli's Serie A title win in the 2024-25 season. Under manager Antonio Conte, he emerged as a prominent attacking midfielder, contributing 12 Serie A goals and earning the league's MVP award that season. In 2025, he was ranked 18th in the Ballon d'Or standings.
McTominay has also endeared himself to the Napoli fanbase and the city of Naples, embracing the local culture and learning Italian. His contributions on the pitch, including a crucial goal on the final day of the title-winning season, have drawn comparisons to club legend Diego Maradona. His integration into Neapolitan life, highlighted by his viral comments praising local produce and his adoption of the nickname 'McFratm' (meaning 'my brother' in local slang), has further cemented his popularity. His image has appeared on local merchandise, and supporters created a shrine in his honor after the title triumph.