Full Breakdown
Scott McTominay’s Successful Heart Ablation and Upcoming Absence from Napoli and Scotland
9/9/2026, 11:40:29 AM
Core Event – Successful Ablation Procedure
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay underwent an ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital on Tuesday morning. The procedure addressed a mild, benign arrhythmia – an irregular heart rhythm judged non-serious by medical staff.
Background & Context
McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. In his first season he helped the club win the 2024-25 Serie A title and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. He has made 82 appearances for the Italian side, scoring 27 goals, and remains under contract until 2028. Early in the 2026-27 campaign he appeared in Napoli’s opening two Serie A matches but was substituted after 56 minutes of a 2-1 home defeat by Como on August 30. Napoli have struggled this season, sitting with three points from their first three league games and occupying 12th place.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 29 years
- Napoli record: 27 goals in 82 matches (club data)
- Recent form: substituted after 56 minutes in the 2-1 loss to Como (August 30)
- Team standing: three points from three Serie A fixtures, 12th in the table
- Upcoming missed fixtures: Champions League vs Arsenal, Serie A vs Bologna, Fiorentina and Inter
- Scotland Nations League schedule: four matches between September 26 and October 6 (two vs Slovenia, one vs Switzerland, one vs North Macedonia)
Official Statements & Responses
Napoli’s official communication stated:
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri indicated that the club expects McTominay to be available after the September-October international break, with a potential return to full training around that time.
Impact on Napoli and Scotland
The two-week recovery period means McTominay will miss Napoli’s Champions League opener against Arsenal and the subsequent Serie A matches with Bologna and Fiorentina. His absence also removes a key option from Scotland’s midfield for the opening four Nations League fixtures scheduled from September 26 to October 6 under new manager Sébastien Pocognoli. Napoli’s limited point tally early in the season heightens the importance of regaining McTominay’s contributions once he is medically cleared.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 30 (occurred) | Substituted after 56 minutes in 2-1 defeat to Como |
| Tuesday (unspecified) | Underwent successful ablation at Spire Manchester Hospital |
| Two weeks after procedure | Expected end of rest period; return to training |
| September 26 – October 6 (scheduled) | Scotland Nations League matches (Slovenia ×2, Switzerland, North Macedonia) |
| October 10 (scheduled) | Possible inclusion in Napoli’s first post-break match vs Frosinone |
What’s Next
After completing the two-week rest, McTominay will be assessed by Napoli’s medical team before rejoining training. If his recovery proceeds without setbacks, he could be in contention for the squad’s first match after the international break on October 10 against Frosinone. His availability for Scotland will be reviewed following the Nations League window that ends on October 6.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On Tuesday morning, Scott McTominay underwent an ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital,” — North Macedonia. Napoli
- “Scott said he doesn't know if he'll renew at this time,” — Giovanni Manna, napoli sporting director
