NAPLES, Italy — Napoli have confirmed that Scott McTominay will undergo a corrective heart procedure after the Scotland international developed a mild, benign cardiac arrhythmia, ruling the midfielder out for around a month.
The Serie A club announced the medical update on Tuesday, September 1, saying the 29-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo cardiac arrhythmia ablation using pulsed field ablation (PFA) in the coming days.
Napoli said McTominay should be available again after the upcoming international break, offering some reassurance to supporters following the unexpected medical news.
The condition described by Napoli is an arrhythmia, meaning an irregularity in the heart’s rhythm. Crucially, the club characterized McTominay’s case as mild and benign, and neither Napoli nor the Reuters report indicated that he is facing a life-threatening cardiac condition.
What happened to Scott McTominay?
According to Napoli’s medical statement, McTominay developed a mild benign arrhythmia and will undergo a corrective ablation procedure.
PFA is a relatively modern ablation technique used to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms. Rather than leaving the issue untreated, the procedure is intended to correct the source of the irregular electrical activity.
Napoli’s statement said McTominay would return after the international break, while Reuters reported that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for approximately a month.
The news comes only days after McTominay featured for Napoli against Como on August 30. The Scotland star had also been dealing with a separate physical problem involving blisters on his foot, according to Italian reports following that match.
A major setback for Napoli
McTominay’s absence could be significant for Napoli, particularly because of the midfielder’s importance to the team.
The Scottish international has developed into one of Napoli’s most influential players since moving from Manchester United. His performances were particularly prominent during the club’s previous campaign, when he played a major role in Napoli’s success.
The Guardian highlighted McTominay’s importance to Napoli earlier this year, describing him as a relentless presence who had become increasingly influential in the side’s midfield and attacking play.
His temporary absence therefore presents another challenge for Napoli as the club attempts to maintain momentum in Serie A.
McTominay also faces Scotland absence
The timing of the procedure could also affect McTominay’s international commitments.
Reuters reported that the midfielder is set to miss Scotland’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, including matches involving Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia, depending on the final scheduling and his recovery.
For Scotland, losing one of its most important midfielders would represent another major concern. McTominay was instrumental in Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, making his availability particularly important to the national team.
Napoli’s message offers reassurance
Despite the alarming headline surrounding the words “heart problem” and “surgery,” Napoli’s own description provides important context.
The club specifically called the arrhythmia mild and benign and stated that McTominay is expected to return following the international break.
That means the current information points toward a planned corrective procedure and temporary absence, rather than an indication of a severe or life-threatening cardiac emergency.
However, McTominay’s exact return date will depend on the procedure and his recovery, so Napoli’s “after the international break” timeline should not be interpreted as a guaranteed match date.
The bigger question for Napoli
The immediate concern is how Massimiliano Allegri will compensate for the absence of a midfielder who provides Napoli with energy, defensive work and a significant goal threat.
Italian coverage has already emphasized how much Napoli lose when McTominay is unavailable, particularly because of his influence in both attacking and defensive phases.
The club now faces a period in which squad depth will be tested.
For McTominay, however, the priority is clear: complete the corrective procedure, recover properly and return to competitive football.
Napoli have offered supporters an encouraging timeline.
The next major update will come after the procedure — and that is when the club will have a clearer picture of exactly when its Scottish midfield star can return to the pitch.
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