Scott McTominay to Undergo Heart Procedure

Napoli have confirmed that Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo a minor heart procedure after the discovery of what the club describe as "a mild benign arrhythmia".

The 29-year-old was taken off after 56 minutes of Sunday’s 2-1 Serie A defeat by Como. What initially looked like a routine substitution has turned into a short but significant spell on the sidelines, with corrective treatment planned "in the coming days".

Napoli expect McTominay to be back in action after the international break in early October, a timeline that offers reassurance for club and player. The issue has been identified as benign, and the procedure is regarded as minor.

The timing, though, hits Scotland hard.

McTominay is now likely to miss Sebastien Pocognoli’s first four matches as Scotland head coach in the Nations League: a home-and-away double-header against Slovenia, followed by games against North Macedonia and Switzerland. For a new manager trying to stamp authority and style on a squad, losing a senior, versatile midfielder so early is a major complication.

An arrhythmia, according to the NHS, is when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. In McTominay’s case, the problem has been detected, assessed and scheduled for correction before it can develop into anything more serious.

Napoli will look for him to return as the driving force in midfield once October comes around. Pocognoli, meanwhile, must plan the opening chapter of his Scotland reign without one of his most trusted figures.