Scott McTominay Heart Surgery 'a Complete Success' as Napoli Star Set to Return This Month
Napoli have confirmed that Scott McTominay's heart surgery was a complete success, with the Scotland midfielder expected to resume training later this month. The 29-year-old underwent a cardiac ablation in Manchester on Tuesday morning to correct a mild benign arrhythmia detected after a Serie A match in late August.

Napoli announced on Wednesday that Scott McTominay's heart operation was a complete success and that the Scotland midfielder is expected to resume training before the end of the month. The 29-year-old underwent the procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital on Tuesday morning, with surgeons performing a cardiac ablation to address a mild benign arrhythmia that had been detected in recent weeks.
- Scott McTominay's cardiac ablation was completed successfully in Manchester.
- Napoli expect him to return to training after a two-week rest period.
- The arrhythmia was found after the Serie A defeat to Como on 30 August.
- The midfielder will miss Scotland's opening Nations League fixtures under new boss Sebastien Pocognoli.
- McTominay told fans: "See you soon Napoli. I won't take long."
What Exactly Is a Cardiac Ablation Procedure?
A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive operation used to correct irregular heart rhythms. According to the British Heart Foundation, the procedure involves using heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart tissue, which blocks faulty electrical signals and helps restore a steady, typical heartbeat.
For McTominay, the surgery treated a mild benign arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an uneven rhythm. While not considered life-threatening, the corrective treatment allows the player to return to elite competition without the risk of further complications.
How the Heart Issue Was Discovered After the Como Match
The first warning signs emerged following Napoli's 2-1 Serie A defeat to Como on 30 August. McTominay was substituted in the 56th minute of that contest, and subsequent medical examinations revealed the benign arrhythmia that prompted Tuesday's corrective procedure.
Napoli confirmed in an official statement that the midfielder will rest for two weeks before rejoining training. The club's initial outlook pointed to a return to action after the early October international break, giving the former Manchester United man a clear recovery timeline.
Which Scotland Nations League Games Will McTominay Miss?
The timing of the operation is particularly significant for the Scottish national team. New head coach Sebastien Pocognoli faces his first four matches in charge between late September and early October: home and away fixtures against Slovenia, along with Nations League meetings against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
McTominay, a central figure in Scotland's midfield setup, will not be available for those games. His absence deals an early blow to a side beginning a fresh chapter under Pocognoli's leadership.
McTominay's Message to Napoli Fans and His Rise From Old Trafford
When the heart issue first came to light, McTominay moved quickly to reassure Napoli supporters with a message posted on Instagram. "See you soon Napoli. I won't take long," he wrote, striking a confident tone about his recovery prospects.
Dubbed "Scotland's Super Mario" by some fans for his knack of arriving in the box at the right moment, McTominay has become a popular figure in Naples since leaving Manchester United. His outgoing personality and combative style have made him an instant favourite with the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona crowd.
McTominay's Journey Away From Manchester United
McTominay ended a long association with Old Trafford to take on a new challenge in Serie A. Having come through the Manchester United academy, the Scotsman spent more than two decades connected to the English club before making the move to Italy, where he has established himself as one of the division's most complete midfielders.
His ability to break into the box, his physical presence, and his tactical awareness have made him influential at both ends of the pitch. That is why even a temporary absence is felt so keenly by Napoli and Scotland alike.
Frequently asked questions
What heart operation did Scott McTominay have?
McTominay underwent a cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold energy to create small scars in the heart and block the faulty electrical signals causing an arrhythmia. The operation was carried out at Spire Manchester Hospital and was described as a complete success.
When will Scott McTominay play for Napoli again?
Napoli expect McTominay to rest for two weeks and then resume training within this month. The club's original outlook was for him to return to competitive action after the international break in early October.
Why was McTominay's arrhythmia discovered?
The benign arrhythmia was identified after the Serie A match against Como on 30 August, when the midfielder was substituted in the 56th minute. Follow-up tests confirmed a mild irregular heart rhythm that required corrective treatment.